Md. lawmakers discuss recognizing multilingual high schoolers

Tuesday morning, Maryland lawmakers and educators came together to discuss a new law  that creates a special seal for high school diplomas earned by graduates who are proficient in languages other than English.

Governor Larry Hogan signed the bill to law last week. Delegate Ana Sol-Gutierrez from the 18th District  tells us that in order for students to get this seal they would have to take tests that would measure proficiency with that additional language including; speaking, reading, and writing skills.

Delegate Gutierrez says this will give native and non-native English speakers recognition for being proficient in more than one language and most importantly it means the students who have it are prepared for a multilingual work force.

“They value employees who are multilingual. It’s a win win for our economy and also for our colleges and our universities who are going to get more students who are proficient  and who are better ready to continue in their college studies,” says delegate Gutierrez.

While the state will be the one administering the diplomas, Delegate Gutierrez tells it is up to local school districts to pass a regulation to participate in the program. Officials say the class of 2017 will be the first class eligible for this new distinction