Garfield Re-2 Students Earn Opportunity for Colorado Seal of Biliteracy

In a Rifle High School classroom, English Language Development instructor Jeremy Harrison saw how honoring all students’ strengths can help them shine. Earlier this year, he asked one of his newcomer students to teach her classmates a few words in her home language - Quechua,  an indigenous language from mostly Bolivia.

It was a small, but powerful moment.

“This student has this knowledge that none of the rest of us have. And to be honest, she missed a lot of school growing up, so the rest of school is super hard because she doesn’t have the background knowledge her peers have, but she has this one thing: she is an expert, and not even the teacher knows, and she can be the smart one. You should have seen her light up and share her knowledge with us,” he enthused.

“Being bilingual is a very clear strength,” Mr. Harrison added. “I am hoping that we can give students the opportunity to develop an asset they already have.”

Students in Garfield Re-2 will now be able to earn the Colorado Seal of Biliteracy, a state-recognized credential awarded to graduates who demonstrate high levels of proficiency in English and at least one additional world language, including American Sign Language.

With this addition, Garfield Re-2 joins a select group of districts across Colorado offering the Seal, creating new opportunities for students to be recognized not only for their academic achievement, but for the strengths, cultures, and experiences they bring to their learning.

Garfield Re-2 student Liliana Ruiz Magana once saw speaking two languages as simply a part of her everyday life.

“I didn’t always see it as a strength, but I realized that speaking more than one language wasn’t just a skill, it was a gift that allowed me to support the people I love and connect to others in a way that not everyone can.”

For Liliana, bilingualism became more than communication; it became connection, identity, and purpose.

“Being bilingual means carrying two identities at once. It represents my story, my culture, and everything that has shaped me into the person I am today.”

Rifle High School senior Jaslyn Valencia shared a similar perspective, recognizing how bilingualism allows her to support others and make an impact in her community.

“Speaking more than one language became a strength when I recognized the significance of breaking language barriers. I feel impactful by communicating with classmates or peers needing assistance.”

Both students reflect what Garfield Re-2 aims to develop in every graduate: confidence, adaptability, and a deep connection to their communities.

Harrison and other English Language Development teachers have been working with Director of Elementary Curriculum Simone Richardson for over a year to bring the Seal of Biliteracy.

Students who earn the Seal demonstrate skills that are highly valued in college admissions and the workforce, while also opening doors to scholarships, advanced coursework, and expanded career opportunities.

Students must demonstrate proficiency in English by completing all English Language Arts (ELA) coursework required for graduation, with an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 in the required ELA courses. 

In addition, they must achieve one of the following: 470 or higher on the SAT section of "Evidence-Based Reading and Writing", score a three or higher on the Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition or the AP English Literature and Composition exam or score four or higher on the English A, English Literature A or English A1 of the International Baccalaureate exam.

In addition, they must demonstrate proficiency or higher in a World Language (WL) by: scoring three or higher on the World Language AP Exam, scoring 4 or higher on the World Language IB Exam, successfully completing a 4-year high school course of study of a single World Language with an overall grade-point average of at least 3.0 or achieving a passing score on a nationally recognized test. Garfield Re-2 will be offering the Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages as the World Language Advanced Placement Exam

But for Harrison, the impact goes beyond academics or career readiness.

“It takes a student’s cultural identity and makes it an asset,” he explained.

While the Seal of Biliteracy provides a competitive edge for students’ futures, its impact is also felt much closer to home.

Harrison believes one of the most important outcomes isn’t found on a transcript, but in relationships and common struggle.

“I would encourage anybody that learning another language is extremely challenging, but the rewards that come with it are extremely beneficial. Just being able to hear people's stories in their home language has changed my perspective on a lot of things, has given me the opportunity to be really grateful about the circumstances of my life and to be a good neighbor.”

As Garfield Re-2 continues to expand opportunities like the Seal of Biliteracy, and college and career pathways, the focus remains on preparing students not just for success, but for connection and ensuring every graduate is ready to contribute, communicate, and thrive in the communities they call home.

Families and students interested in learning more about the Colorado Seal of Biliteracy can contact Simone Richardson (srichardson@garfieldre2.net) for additional information.