Boston Public Schools (BPS) are celebrating an unprecedented achievement in biliteracy, marking a significant milestone in the city's educational landscape. This achievement is not just about language proficiency; it's a testament to the transformative power of multilingualism on academic, cultural, and social development.
The Cognitive Advantage
Cecilia Soriano, director of development at the Margarita Muñiz Academy, highlights the cognitive benefits of learning a new language. She explains, "A new language develops a new cognitive system in your brain. You’re twice as able to deal with things because you’ve got two systems up in your brain that are able to help you understand the world around you." This dual-language capability enhances problem-solving skills and fosters a more comprehensive understanding of the world.
Personal Journeys
The journey to biliteracy is deeply personal for many students. Johendy De La Cruz Arias, a senior at Margarita Muñiz Academy, shares his story. As a second-generation immigrant from the Dominican Republic, he didn't speak English when he started school. Through dedication and support from his family, he not only learned English but also earned a Seal of Biliteracy, a significant achievement that will allow him to attend Simmons University, the first in his family to do so.
Manicka Fils-Aime, a senior at New Mission High School, achieved a seal in Haitian Creole and English. She reflects, "Achieving the seal means that I’m capable of making something good of myself." This sentiment resonates with many students, who see the seal as a symbol of their potential and a pathway to a brighter future.
Impact of Multilingual Education
The growth in the number of multilingual students is closely tied to educational policies like MassCore, which mandates world language coursework as part of the district’s graduation requirements. This has led to an increase in the number of students earning Seals of Biliteracy in various languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese.
Maria Carreira, executive director of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, emphasizes the broader impact of multilingual education. She states, "All of this contributes to students who are ultimately better prepared to participate in what is an increasingly diverse society with different people in the United States and across the world."
Community Support and Pride
The celebration of biliteracy is not just an individual achievement but a community-wide event. At New Mission High School, the majority of the 42 students who earned a Seal of Biliteracy did so in their native language. Karen Loughran and Kareem Cutler, co-heads of the school, highlight the positive impact on students' sense of pride and community support. "Our students are starting to feel pride in themselves every day," says Cutler, "Our community as a whole comes around these students to support them, celebrate them, help them acknowledge the importance of getting the Seal of Biliteracy."
Dual Language Schools and Future Trends
The Muñiz Academy, Boston's only dual language high school, has seen a surge in the number of Seals of Biliteracy due to an influx of immigrants. Soriano notes, "Oftentimes during school tours, immigrant parents acknowledge they wish they could have studied in a school like Muñiz Academy, where all staff speak both English and Spanish."
The Boston Latin School, with its high enrollment and a minimum of four years of modern language as a graduation requirement, is another notable example. Jason Gallagher, the head of the school, observes a growing interest in earning Seals of Biliteracy. "It’s a great communication skill, it’s a great workplace skill, it’s a definable skill," he says.
Conclusion: A Brighter Future
The achievement of biliteracy in Boston Public Schools is a powerful indicator of the city's commitment to educational excellence and cultural diversity. As the number of multilingual students continues to grow, so does the potential for a more connected, culturally rich, and globally competitive society. This achievement is not just about language; it's about empowering individuals to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
