World Language Competency Credits (WLCC)

Credits and the Seal of Biliteracy will be added to a students’ transcript by the end of the academic year.

The nationally normed proficiency tests are used by businesses, government agencies and the military for salary and job placement. They are most appropriate for older students. Our current testing infrastructure is designed to test high school students. Middle school students are asked to wait until 9th grade to take the test.

Students in Bellevue Digital Discovery may sign up for either the test at Sammamish High School or the district-wide make-up test.

The test is based on language proficiency, and test “what individuals can do with language in terms of speaking, writing, listening, and reading in real-world situations in a spontaneous and non-rehearsed context” – See more at: ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2012.

Although it is not directly possible to study for a language proficiency test in a traditional sense, students can practice the four skills and ask for feedback from native speakers.

• Reading: understanding current events websites and children’s stories
• Writing: writing email, short informational articles, and anecdotes about what you did in the past
• Speaking: talking about your life as well as current events
• Listening: understanding the main idea from podcasts or radio

Tests to practice the format will be emailed a week before the test.

Complete this online form and upload the original test scores from your Bellevue School District issued computer. The proctor must be pre-approved.

We calculate the credits based on the lowest score. The lowest score obtained shows the student’s level of proficiency across all skills.

If a student earns 2 or more credits, they will meet the Washington High School graduation requirements. This will allow them to pursue another language or field of study. If the student speaks Chinese Mandarin, French, Japanese or Spanish, they may also be able to continue their study at higher levels in high school. If a student plans to enroll in the International Baccalaureate (I.B.) program, the student will need to choose at least two languages of study to qualify for the I.B. diploma. Check with the I.B. director at Interlake High School for details.

The credits earned through this program appear on a student's high school transcript with a passing grade. The competency credits meet the language college entrance requirements for many colleges in the State of Washington. Students should verify details with their college or university of interest.

• All approved Competency-based World Language Credits will be posted to the Bellevue School District transcript as credit earned without grades attached to them.
• The approved Competency-based World Language Credits cannot replace an unsatisfactory (D/F) grade posted on the BSD transcript for an equivalent course. It will be posted in a separate area of the BSD transcript.
• Students cannot have duplicate credits for classes already taken.
• After students have received Competency-based World Language Credits for a certain level of a language, they may not take an equivalent or a lower-level class in that same language.
• Students may use approved Competency-based World Language Credits for placement purposes in higher level World Language courses.
• Competency-based World Language Credits may be used to meet World Language graduation requirements.
• Students who receive 4 credits will also automatically qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy.

The cost varies by test between $25 and $250. The Bellevue School District will help select choose the least expensive and most appropriate test for students at registration. The fee may be paid to the accountant at your school or online at Intouch System.

Students who qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch should indicate their eligibility in order to qualify for a reduced or no-cost test.