What is the State Seal
This new award for high school graduates who demonstrate civic responsibility is a powerful tool to motivate students to apply the knowledge, skills, and values of American citizenship.
Assembly Bill 24 (2017) instructed the California Department of Education (CDE) to develop a set of criteria to award students who have demonstrated excellence in civic education. Students who earn this award will have an advantage in job applications and with college applications and scholarships. It also gives education and community leaders an indication of how many graduates demonstrate civic competence. It becomes a tool to measure the effectiveness of civic education in high schools.
Why setup the State Seal at your school?
Guidelines to obtain a State Seal
The student must:
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Be engage in academic work in a productive way;
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Demonstrate a competent understanding of United States and California constitutions functions and governance of local governments; tribal government structures and organizations; the role of the citizen in a constitutional democracy; and democratic principles, concepts and processes;
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Participate in one or more informed civic engagement projects(s) that address real-world problems and require students to identify and inquire into civic needs or problems, consider varied responses, take action, and reflect on efforts;
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Demonstrate civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions through self-reflection; and
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Exhibit character traits that reflect civic-mindedness and a commitment to positively impact the classroom, school community and/or society.
Click below for Criteria 2 online courses for
both educators and students.
Who is eligible
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Any student enrolled in California public schools, direct-funded charter schools, the juvenile justice system, and/or in an alternative school setting.
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Students can earn the State Seal throughout high school, but can only apply in their senior year (LEAs may develop recognition for younger students).
How do we get started
(for both teens and teachers helping their students)
We can help walk you through this process:
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Communicate with your school administration;
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Develop the SSCE policy and help with the application and review process
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Walk through the steps of school board approval
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Help to plan for staff development on civic education and service learning
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A student resource for project development
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Assist with community partnerships and opportunities for service & civic engagement
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Help to publicize the student projects new awards.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities to inspire civility in America by creating opportunities for youth to learn and practice civic values and democratic skills.
Let's connect.