Chicago schools chief announces 'Seal of Biliteracy'

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd Bennett has announced a Seal of Biliteracy recognizing students who are proficient in two or more languages.

Bennett announced the program Wednesday at Kelvyn Park High School. She says the seal will appear on students' transcripts and will signify accomplishment for college admission offices and future employers.

This school year, the seal will be awarded to students from 20 Chicago high schools. The program will be expanded to all high school students beginning next school year.

Alderman Ray Suarez, who joined Bennett in the announcement, says the initiative will encourage students to develop and maintain proficiency in multiple languages.

The school district says more than 70,000 Chicago students are growing up in households where English is a second language.