Test Proficiency Standards

If you agree with most or all of these statements, then you are a good candidate to take the proficiency assessment for Minnesota Bilingual Seals. 

• I can talk about myself, common activities, school, work, and events in the community/world in my target language. 

• I can listen to and understand announcements, TV, radio shows, and videos in my target language. 

• I can read and understand signs, notices, letters, posters, magazines, news articles, or books written in my target language.

• I can write text messages, descriptions, letters, stories, and articles about myself, common activities, school, work, and issues within my community and/or the world in my target language.

Please review our Proficiency Level Descriptors to figure out your current proficiency level and your corresponding SEALS award level. We encourage you to speak to your World Language teacher, tutor, and/or parents to find the appropriate assessment and develop an effective study plan that can help you achieve your desired award upon graduation. 

Improving your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in a language requires a comprehensive approach. To enhance your reading abilities, start by reading materials suited to your proficiency level, such as short stories or news articles. Gradually challenge yourself with more complex texts, using a dictionary to look up unfamiliar words. Writing proficiency can be honed by practicing regularly. Start with simple exercises like journaling or writing summaries, gradually progressing to more advanced tasks such as essays or creative writing. To improve speaking skills, engage in conversation with native speakers or language partners. Join language exchange programs or find conversation groups where you can practice speaking regularly. Actively listen to native speakers through podcasts, audiobooks, or online resources, focusing on comprehension and vocabulary acquisition. Practicing listening exercises, such as transcribing or summarizing spoken content, can further strengthen your skills. Consistency, perseverance, and an active engagement with the language are key to progressing in all four areas.