ETP Student Recognition Program

📜 Formal Circular 

Seal of Biliteracy – ETP Student Recognition Program  

🎉 தமிழ் மொழித் திறன் பாராட்டுத் திட்டம் 🎉 

Exton Tamil Palli (ETP)

Date: February 7, 2026

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,

Exton Tamil Palli proudly announces a recognition program for students who have earned the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy in the Tamil language.

The Seal of Biliteracy is a prestigious award presented to high school students who have demonstrated proficiency in English and one or more additional languages by graduation. Its purpose is to encourage bilingualism, affirm cultural and linguistic diversity, and provide students with an advantage in college admissions and future careers. (Pennsylvania Government)

To honor the achievements of our students, Exton Tamil Palli (ETP) is pleased to recognize and reward students who obtain the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy in the Tamil language. This recognition acknowledges their dedication to learning and preserving the Tamil language and will be presented during the Exton Tamil Palli Annual Day ceremony.

🎯 Eligibility Requirements 

To be considered for this recognition, students must satisfy all the following criteria:

  1. Must have been enrolled at Exton Tamil Palli for a minimum of three (3) academic years, as per official ETP records
  2. Must have graduated Nilai 8 from Exton Tamil Palli
  3. Should not have skipped Nilai 6 or Nilai 7
    • (One-time courtesy: students who skipped a Nilai during the 2025–26 school year will be allowed)
  4. Must have officially obtained the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy in Tamil within three (3) years of graduating from ETP
  5. Must provide verifiable proof that the Seal was awarded specifically for the Tamil language
  6. Applicable to students who graduated from Exton Tamil Palli in 2025 or later
    • (This provision is extended as courtesy to recent alumni.)

🔍 Verification, Evaluation, and Authority 

Exton Tamil Palli reserves the right to independently evaluate and verify all submissions related to this recognition program, including but not limited to:

  • Confirmation that the Seal of Biliteracy was awarded specifically for Tamil
  • Review of official certificates, transcripts, assessment results, or documentation issued by the awarding school district
  • Verification of ETP enrollment duration and Nilai 8 graduation using ETP records
  • Additional confirmation from the school district or awarding authority, if required

Submission of documentation does not automatically guarantee eligibility or recognition.

All evaluations and determinations made by the ETP Core Team are final and binding.

⚖️ Right to Deny, Modify, or Discontinue 

This recognition program is a voluntary and discretionary initiative announced by the current ETP Core Team for the academic years 2025–2027.

ETP reserves the full right to:

  • Deny recognition if eligibility requirements are not fully met
  • Reject submissions with insufficient, unclear, or unverifiable documentation
  • Modify eligibility criteria, verification processes, or timelines
  • Suspend or discontinue the recognition program at any time, with or without prior notice

This recognition program is established by the current ETP Core Team and will remain valid only during the tenure of the current ETP Core Team (2025-2027).
Future ETP Core Teams may choose to continue, modify, or discontinue this program at their discretion.
No claims, appeals, or objections shall be raised against future Core Teams regarding any such decisions.

🧠 About the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy? 

The Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy (PASB) is an award recognized by many school districts in the state for students who attain intermediate-high proficiency or higher in English and an additional language by high school graduation. It signifies academic achievement and the value of biliteracy skills to colleges, employers, and the community. (psmla.org)

💡 Benefits of the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy 

    • Recognition of Bilingual Proficiency – Certifies mastery of English and Tamil  
    • College & Career Advantage – Helps with university admissions and job opportunities  
    • College Credit / Advanced Placement (College-Dependent) – Some colleges or universities may offer college credit or advanced placement based on the Seal or the proficiency assessment used; policies vary by institution 
    • 21st Century Skills – Highlights communication, cultural understanding, and adaptability  
    • Encourages Language & Cultural Study – Motivates continued learning of Tamil and other languages 
    • Promotes Social & Economic Benefits – Supports cultural awareness and broader communication skills 

 

📌 How to Obtain the Seal of Biliteracy 

High school students interested in pursuing the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy should: 

    • Contact their Foreign Language Teacher or School Counselor 
    • Inquire about the required assessments or proficiency exams 
    • Most schools require students to demonstrate proficiency through standardized assessments (e.g., AAPPL, STAMP4S) or approved portfolio evaluations. (psmla.org) 
    • Each Pennsylvania school district independently determines how the Seal is awarded. 

Once both English and target language proficiency are documented to meet the criteria, the student may be awarded the Seal upon graduation.   

 

🌐 Official References 

  • Pennsylvania Department of Education – World Languages/Seal of Biliteracy: Pennsylvania.gov (Pennsylvania Government) 

Thank you, 

Exton Tamil Palli Core Team 

 

🎓 ETP Students Who Have Received the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy in Tamil

Academic Year Student Name School District Remarks
2023–2024 Sriya Prabhu Downingtown Area School District —
2023–2024 Poorvaj Velavan Downingtown Area School District Graduated Nilai 8 in 2024
2023–2024 Sahitya Prakashbabu Downingtown Area School District —
2023–2024 Deeksha Prabhu Downingtown Area School District —

 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

  1. What is the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy?

The Seal of Biliteracy is an award recognizing student who achieve proficiency in English and another language by high school graduation. It is used by colleges and employers to identify individuals with strong language skills. (Pennsylvania Government) 

  1. Why is this recognition important for students?

The Seal celebrates biliteracy, supports global engagement, and can enhance college and career opportunities by showcasing valuable language skills. (Pennsylvania Government) 

  1. Who is eligible for the ETP recognition award?

Students who meet all of the following criteria: 

    • Have studied at Exton Tamil Palli (ETP) for a minimum of three (3) academic years, as per ETP records 
    • Have graduated Nilai 8 from ETP 
    • Should not have skipped Nilai 6 or Nilai 7 (One-time courtesy: Students who skipped a Nilai during the 2025–26 school year will be allowed) 
    • Have obtained the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy in Tamil within three (3) years of graduating from ETP 
    • Have graduated from ETP in 2025 or later (This provision is extended as a courtesy to recent alumni.) 
    • Submit valid, official, and verifiable documentation supporting all eligibility requirements 
  1. How do students get the Seal of Biliteracy?

Students should speak with their high school foreign language teacher or counselor about qualifying pathways. Typically, students must show proficiency via tests or evaluations in both English and Tamil. (psmla.org)

  1. Do all school districts in Pennsylvania offer the Seal?

No. While many districts are implementing the Seal of Biliteracy program, schools decide independently whether to offer it. Pennsylvania does not require schools to offer the Seal, and no state funding is provided specifically for it. (Pennsylvania Government) 

  1. Can colleges give credit for the Seal?

Some colleges and universities recognize the Seal for potential college credit or advanced placement, depending on institution policies. (PA Principals Association) 

  1. What if I already graduated before 2025?

Only students who graduated in 2025 or later are eligible for the ETP reward program, although this requirement was added as a courtesy to account for recent alumni. 

  1. Who decides future continuation of this award program?

The continuation of the recognition program is at the discretion of future ETP Core Teams; it may be modified or discontinued without contest.

  1. Does earning the Seal automatically guarantee an award from ETP?

No. The ETP recognition is not automatic. All submissions are subject to eligibility review and verification by the ETP Core Team.

  1. How does ETP verify that the Seal was awarded for Tamil?

ETP will review official documentation and may seek confirmation from the issuing school district or awarding authority to ensure the Seal was obtained specifically for Tamil.

  1. Can ETP deny recognition even if a student has the Seal?

Yes. ETP reserves the right to deny recognition if eligibility conditions are not met or if documentation is insufficient, unclear, or unverifiable. 

  1. Can this recognition program be discontinued in the future?

Yes. This program is valid only during the tenure of the current ETP Core Team. Future Core Teams may modify or discontinue the program at their discretion. 

  1. Can decisions made by ETP be appealed?

No. All decisions made by the ETP Core Team regarding eligibility and recognition are final and non-appealable. 

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