Sec. 4. Grants for State Seal of Biliteracy programs
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From amounts made available under subsection (f), the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to States to enable the States to establish or improve, and carry out, Seal of Biliteracy programs to recognize student proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in both English and a second language. Notwithstanding paragraph (1), each Seal of Biliteracy program shall contain provisions allowing the use of Native American languages, including allowing speakers of any Native American language recognized as official by any American government, including any Tribal government, to use equivalent proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in the Native American language in lieu of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in English.
A grant awarded under this section shall be for a period of 2 years, and may be renewed at the discretion of the Secretary. At the end of a grant term, a State that receives a grant under this section may reapply for a grant under this section. A State shall not receive more than 1 grant under this section at any time. Each State that receives a grant under this section shall return any unspent grant funds not later than 6 months after the date on which the term for the grant ends.
A State that desires a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require, including— a description of the criteria a student must meet to demonstrate the proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in both languages necessary for the State Seal of Biliteracy program; a detailed description of the State's plan— to ensure that English learners and former English learners are included in the State Seal of Biliteracy program; to ensure that— all languages, including Native American languages, can be tested for the State Seal of Biliteracy program; and Native American language speakers and learners are included in the State Seal of Biliteracy program, including students at tribally controlled schools and at schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education; and to reach students, including eligible students described in subsection (c)(2) and English learners, their parents, and schools with information regarding the State Seal of Biliteracy program; an assurance that a student who meets the requirements under paragraph
(1)and subsection
(c)receives— a permanent seal or other marker on the student's secondary school diploma or its equivalent; and documentation of proficiency on the student's official academic transcript; and an assurance that a student is not charged a fee for providing information under subsection (c)(1). To participate in a Seal of Biliteracy program, a student shall provide information to the State that serves the student at such time, in such manner, and including such information and assurances as the State may require, including an assurance that the student has met the criteria established by the State under subsection (b)(1). A student who gained proficiency in a second language outside of school may apply under paragraph
(1)to participate in a Seal of Biliteracy program. Grant funds made available under this section shall be used for— the administrative costs of establishing or improving, and carrying out, a Seal of Biliteracy program that meets the requirements of subsection (b); and public outreach and education about the Seal of Biliteracy program. Not later than 18 months after receiving a grant under this section, a State shall issue a report to the Secretary describing the implementation of the Seal of Biliteracy program for which the State received the grant. There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.