About the State Seal of Civic Engagement
About the State Seal of Civic Engagement
On September 10, 2020, the State Board of Education (SBE) adopted criteria and guidance to award a State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) to California students who demonstrate excellence in civics education and participation, and an understanding of the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, and the democratic system of government. By adopting these criteria, California joined a small but growing number of states that formally recognize and promote student civic engagement with seals to affix to student transcripts, diplomas, or certificates of completion.
On September 10, 2020, the State Board of Education (SBE) adopted criteria and guidance to award a State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) to California students who demonstrate excellence in civics education and participation, and an understanding of the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, and the democratic system of government. By adopting these criteria, California joined a small but growing number of states that formally recognize and promote student civic engagement with seals to affix to student transcripts, diplomas, or certificates of completion.
The SSCE elevates civic engagement as a goal for graduates of California public schools. We are now provided with an opportunity to reenvision and co-create more equitable school systems and communities that prepare students for college, career, and civic life. Schools may begin awarding the seal as early as 2021. The CDE plans to provide an update to the SBE on the recommendations for integrating civic engagement into the College/Career Readiness Indicator (CCI ) on the California Dashboard as part of the annual accountability work plan update in 2021.
The SSCE elevates civic engagement as a goal for graduates of California public schools. We are now provided with an opportunity to reenvision and co-create more equitable school systems and communities that prepare students for college, career, and civic life. Schools may begin awarding the seal as early as 2021. The CDE plans to provide an update to the SBE on the recommendations for integrating civic engagement into the College/Career Readiness Indicator (CCI ) on the California Dashboard as part of the annual accountability work plan update in 2021.
On this webpage (https://tinyurl.com/SSCEMCOE), the latest updates and resources to implement the State Seal of Civic Engagement within your LEA/district, school, and classroom will be shared. It is organized into the "who, what, why, and how" sections. Additional resources are posted on this Padlet.
On this webpage (https://tinyurl.com/SSCEMCOE), the latest updates and resources to implement the State Seal of Civic Engagement within your LEA/district, school, and classroom will be shared. It is organized into the "who, what, why, and how" sections. Additional resources are posted on this Padlet.
Who?
Who?
Civic engagement is for everyone, from youth, educators and those working in the PK-12 school system, to community partners, postsecondary institutions, civic leaders, parents, and families. Civic learning opportunities should be provided to students at every grade level and integrated in the curriculum.
Civic engagement is for everyone, from youth, educators and those working in the PK-12 school system, to community partners, postsecondary institutions, civic leaders, parents, and families. Civic learning opportunities should be provided to students at every grade level and integrated in the curriculum.
What?
What?
What are the criteria?
What are the criteria?
What does the California Department of Education (CDE) provide?
What does the California Department of Education (CDE) provide?
What resources exist for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs)?
What resources exist for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs)?
What are other Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) doing?
What are other Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) doing?
The Monterey County Board of Education adopted the Support for Civic Learning: College, Career, and Civic Life Resolution on December 14, 2016 and encourages resources dedicated to civic learning opportunities with goals to achieve equity, diversity, and inclusion; to demonstrate and promote active citizenship, and to teach students civic skills needed for the 21st century workplace. On May 12, 2021 the Monterey County Board of Education adopted the State Seal of Civic Engagement Resolution. Five schools in Monterey County have been awarded the Civic Learning Award for California Public Schools: Buena Vista Middle School (Spreckels USD), Carmel High School (Carmel USD), Vista Verde Middle School (Greenfield USD) (2019), as well as Everett Alvarez High School and Salinas High School (Salinas UHSD) (2020). MCOE Alternative Education's Social Studies PLC is engaged in a professional learning series to implement the SSCE.
The Monterey County Board of Education adopted the Support for Civic Learning: College, Career, and Civic Life Resolution on December 14, 2016 and encourages resources dedicated to civic learning opportunities with goals to achieve equity, diversity, and inclusion; to demonstrate and promote active citizenship, and to teach students civic skills needed for the 21st century workplace. On May 12, 2021 the Monterey County Board of Education adopted the State Seal of Civic Engagement Resolution. Five schools in Monterey County have been awarded the Civic Learning Award for California Public Schools: Buena Vista Middle School (Spreckels USD), Carmel High School (Carmel USD), Vista Verde Middle School (Greenfield USD) (2019), as well as Everett Alvarez High School and Salinas High School (Salinas UHSD) (2020). MCOE Alternative Education's Social Studies PLC is engaged in a professional learning series to implement the SSCE.
MCOE collaborates with APT (Authentic Preparation Today; formerly PACCCRAS), a statewide work group consisting of education thought leaders who support a broader definition of student success that results from educating the whole child, led by Dr. Hueling Lee. We have been partnering with the California Department of Education (CDE) to support the State Seal of Civic Engagement because we believe the State Seal presents an important step toward realizing more holistic and equitable outcomes for students. LEAs are being recruited for an early adopter pilot network, and the Monterey County Office of Education, Salinas Union High School District, Gonzales Unified School District, North Monterey County Unified School District, Soledad Unified School District, and Monterey Peninsula Unified School District have signed on so far from Monterey County. We are collaborating with others to learn and grow together. The Monterey County Office of Education facilitates the sharing and refining of process map iterations with other LEAs including Region 5 COE partners (the Santa Clara, San Benito, and Santa Cruz County Offices of Education) and California Council for the Social Studies (CCSS) Central Area partners. We also collaborate with the CLIC Regional Leads of the Statewide Community of Practice, Dr. Daisy Martin with the History & Civics Project at UC Santa Cruz, and Dr. Erica Hodgin with the Civic Engagement Research Group (CERG) at UC Riverside.
MCOE collaborates with APT (Authentic Preparation Today; formerly PACCCRAS), a statewide work group consisting of education thought leaders who support a broader definition of student success that results from educating the whole child, led by Dr. Hueling Lee. We have been partnering with the California Department of Education (CDE) to support the State Seal of Civic Engagement because we believe the State Seal presents an important step toward realizing more holistic and equitable outcomes for students. LEAs are being recruited for an early adopter pilot network, and the Monterey County Office of Education, Salinas Union High School District, Gonzales Unified School District, North Monterey County Unified School District, Soledad Unified School District, and Monterey Peninsula Unified School District have signed on so far from Monterey County. We are collaborating with others to learn and grow together. The Monterey County Office of Education facilitates the sharing and refining of process map iterations with other LEAs including Region 5 COE partners (the Santa Clara, San Benito, and Santa Cruz County Offices of Education) and California Council for the Social Studies (CCSS) Central Area partners. We also collaborate with the CLIC Regional Leads of the Statewide Community of Practice, Dr. Daisy Martin with the History & Civics Project at UC Santa Cruz, and Dr. Erica Hodgin with the Civic Engagement Research Group (CERG) at UC Riverside.
Regions 5 and 6 held an update and collaboration session on May 13, 2021 with early adopter LEAs sharing resources. Salinas Union High School District's History-Social Science Curriculum Specialist, Mark Gomez, presented sessions with the Region 5 History-Social Science Community of Practice CLIC Project with the driving question, "What would it look like for all students to earn the State Seal of Civic Engagement?" and in 2020: "Cultivating Civic Imagination" and "Equity and the State Seal of Civic Engagement." The linked folders contain the video recordings and resources. Salinas Union High School District was also one of the districts visited on the CivX Now Equity in Civics Listening Tour, featured in the "Equity in civic education" white paper. They have convened a stakeholder advisory group to inform the SSCE local criteria development process. Additional presentations include California Council for the Social Studies Conference Sessions, "The Power of Democracy and the State Seal of Civic Engagement," presented by Carolyn M. Caietti, Michelle Herczog, and Kristen Lucena; and "Addressing the Civic Debt: How to Create Equitable Civic Empowerment in Schools," presented by Jennifer Elemen, Olivia Santillan, and Laura Guajardo.
Regions 5 and 6 held an update and collaboration session on May 13, 2021 with early adopter LEAs sharing resources. Salinas Union High School District's History-Social Science Curriculum Specialist, Mark Gomez, presented sessions with the Region 5 History-Social Science Community of Practice CLIC Project with the driving question, "What would it look like for all students to earn the State Seal of Civic Engagement?" and in 2020: "Cultivating Civic Imagination" and "Equity and the State Seal of Civic Engagement." The linked folders contain the video recordings and resources. Salinas Union High School District was also one of the districts visited on the CivX Now Equity in Civics Listening Tour, featured in the "Equity in civic education" white paper. They have convened a stakeholder advisory group to inform the SSCE local criteria development process. Additional presentations include California Council for the Social Studies Conference Sessions, "The Power of Democracy and the State Seal of Civic Engagement," presented by Carolyn M. Caietti, Michelle Herczog, and Kristen Lucena; and "Addressing the Civic Debt: How to Create Equitable Civic Empowerment in Schools," presented by Jennifer Elemen, Olivia Santillan, and Laura Guajardo.
Here are some examples of how other LEAs and partnering organizations are elevating civic engagement:
Here are some examples of how other LEAs and partnering organizations are elevating civic engagement:
Board Resolution: State Seal of Civic Engagement, Salinas UHSD
Student-Made Video by GenUp (also see @civicengagementca on Instagram)
Also see the MCOE College & Career Readiness and Constitution & Civics webpages, as well as the article, "Equitable civic empowerment in schools: Addressing the civic debt in democratic education," in the January-February 2021 issue of ACSA's Leadership Magazine , "Equity through the lens of data."
Also see the MCOE College & Career Readiness and Constitution & Civics webpages, as well as the article, "Equitable civic empowerment in schools: Addressing the civic debt in democratic education," in the January-February 2021 issue of ACSA's Leadership Magazine , "Equity through the lens of data."
Why?
Why?
Why civic engagement?
Why civic engagement?
"We have much to gain by revitalizing civic learning. The chief benefits of civic learning are a vibrant and informed civic life and democracy and a healthy society. High-quality civic learning also helps teach children skills they need for the 21st century workplace, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity, initiative and innovation. In addition, civic learning done right engages students by making what they learn at school more relevant to real life. It promotes academic achievement, as well, and prevents some students from dropping out. Civic learning is vital for our increasingly diverse California society." (The California Task Force On K-12 Civic Learning, 2014, p. 6)
"We have much to gain by revitalizing civic learning. The chief benefits of civic learning are a vibrant and informed civic life and democracy and a healthy society. High-quality civic learning also helps teach children skills they need for the 21st century workplace, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity, initiative and innovation. In addition, civic learning done right engages students by making what they learn at school more relevant to real life. It promotes academic achievement, as well, and prevents some students from dropping out. Civic learning is vital for our increasingly diverse California society." (The California Task Force On K-12 Civic Learning, 2014, p. 6)
Civic learning opportunities are part of the History-Social Science Framework for California K-12 Public Schools, which addresses the History-Social Science Content Standards, Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History–Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects, the California English Language Development Standards, the English Language Arts/English Language Development Framework (ELA/ELD Framework), and the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards (also see the Civic Learning Compendium). "A constitutional democracy and its institutions depend on citizens who know how government works, understand and abide by the rule of law, vote, serve as jurors, stay informed about and make evidence-based decisions about public issues, respect the rights of others, participate in public affairs, and seek the betterment of their communities, state, and country." (History-Social Science Framework, Appendix E, p. 774)
Civic learning opportunities are part of the History-Social Science Framework for California K-12 Public Schools, which addresses the History-Social Science Content Standards, Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History–Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects, the California English Language Development Standards, the English Language Arts/English Language Development Framework (ELA/ELD Framework), and the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards (also see the Civic Learning Compendium). "A constitutional democracy and its institutions depend on citizens who know how government works, understand and abide by the rule of law, vote, serve as jurors, stay informed about and make evidence-based decisions about public issues, respect the rights of others, participate in public affairs, and seek the betterment of their communities, state, and country." (History-Social Science Framework, Appendix E, p. 774)
“Students who engage in inquiry- and project-based learning, including civic learning experiences, have opportunities to read and hear content texts within real-world contexts that enhance students’ engagement by piquing their interests and connecting with their own lives.” (ELA/ELD Framework, California Department of Education, 2015, p. 88)
“Students who engage in inquiry- and project-based learning, including civic learning experiences, have opportunities to read and hear content texts within real-world contexts that enhance students’ engagement by piquing their interests and connecting with their own lives.” (ELA/ELD Framework, California Department of Education, 2015, p. 88)
A recent study from the Leveraging Equity & Access in Democratic Education Initiative at UCLA & UC Riverside reveals that currently, civic learning is infrequent and inequitable. Furthermore, most California school districts are under preparing students for civic engagement as revealed by "students' lack of sufficient opportunities, [there is] inequitable access to civic learning by parent education, civic and democratic goals are marginal to districts' missions, civic and democratic commitments are absent from districts’ accountability plans [Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAP)], and there is little staffing and infrastructure that supports this civic agenda." (Rogers, J., Hodgin, E., Kahne, J., Cooper Geller, R., Kwako, A., Alkam S., & Bingener, C., 2020)
A recent study from the Leveraging Equity & Access in Democratic Education Initiative at UCLA & UC Riverside reveals that currently, civic learning is infrequent and inequitable. Furthermore, most California school districts are under preparing students for civic engagement as revealed by "students' lack of sufficient opportunities, [there is] inequitable access to civic learning by parent education, civic and democratic goals are marginal to districts' missions, civic and democratic commitments are absent from districts’ accountability plans [Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAP)], and there is little staffing and infrastructure that supports this civic agenda." (Rogers, J., Hodgin, E., Kahne, J., Cooper Geller, R., Kwako, A., Alkam S., & Bingener, C., 2020)
Generation Citizen and iCivics also found that: "Equitable civics is inclusive, representative, and relevant; it promotes diverse voices and draws on students’ lived experiences and perspectives in order to engage them in understanding social issues, the power dynamics that cause them, and the power that young people have to bring change. Lack of funding for more, and more equitable, civic education is a concern for parents, administrators, students, and community members. Equitable civic education requires thoughtful reimagining of curricular and instructional goals around student agency, knowledge and skills, as well as policy and systems support in schools, districts, and the community. This work requires both reflection on organizational stances, goals, and agenda, as well as action towards helping young people understand the complexities of our government and the role they play within it." (Equity in Civic Education Project, 2020)
Generation Citizen and iCivics also found that: "Equitable civics is inclusive, representative, and relevant; it promotes diverse voices and draws on students’ lived experiences and perspectives in order to engage them in understanding social issues, the power dynamics that cause them, and the power that young people have to bring change. Lack of funding for more, and more equitable, civic education is a concern for parents, administrators, students, and community members. Equitable civic education requires thoughtful reimagining of curricular and instructional goals around student agency, knowledge and skills, as well as policy and systems support in schools, districts, and the community. This work requires both reflection on organizational stances, goals, and agenda, as well as action towards helping young people understand the complexities of our government and the role they play within it." (Equity in Civic Education Project, 2020)
Click on the resources linked below for more information.
Click on the resources linked below for more information.
CPAC Workshop on Seal of Civic Engagement_12.7.20.pdfPresentation (above, delivered by Dr. Erica Hodgin) based on:
Rogers, J., Hodgin, E., Kahne, J., Cooper Geller, R., Kwako, A., Alkam S., & Bingener, C. (2020). Reclaiming the Democratic Purpose of California’s Public Schools. Research Report, Leveraging Equity & Access in Democratic Education (LEADE) Initiative at UCLA & UC Riverside.
Educators Equity in Civic Education One-Pager.pdf"Educators' One-Pager" (above) based on:
Equity in Civic Education Project (2020). Equity in civic education [White paper]. J. C. Lo (Ed.). Generation Citizen and iCivics. Also see:
Civics Republic is Still at Risk SummitWhitePaper.pdf
Civic Task Force Executive Summary.pdfCivic Learning Task Force Executive Summary Spanish.pdf
How?
How?
How can my team and I engage in and provide professional learning to implement integrated civics?
How can my team and I engage in and provide professional learning to implement integrated civics?
The Monterey County Office of Education is the Regional LEA for the Region 5 History-Social Science Community of Practice: Content, Literacy, Inquiry, and Citizenship (CLIC) Project, with upcoming opportunities and previous sessions archived at: tinyurl.com/MCOEFrameworks. We invite educators (teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and others) as well as community partners to join this CP and our Monterey County Civic Learning Partnership. MCOE also offers an Educational Services Professional Learning Catalog and provides customized professional learning for schools and districts via technical assistance service agreements.
The Monterey County Office of Education is the Regional LEA for the Region 5 History-Social Science Community of Practice: Content, Literacy, Inquiry, and Citizenship (CLIC) Project, with upcoming opportunities and previous sessions archived at: tinyurl.com/MCOEFrameworks. We invite educators (teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and others) as well as community partners to join this CP and our Monterey County Civic Learning Partnership. MCOE also offers an Educational Services Professional Learning Catalog and provides customized professional learning for schools and districts via technical assistance service agreements.
How can my team and I implement curriculum and student-centered practices for civic learning?
How can my team and I implement curriculum and student-centered practices for civic learning?
The History-Social Science Framework and supplemental resources, such as those featured below, are illustrative examples of K-12 integrated civics. Explore these documents, videos, and the Region 5 CLIC webpage for more. Additionally, high-quality distance learning lesson plans aligned to the California History-Social Science Framework and Standards, California Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts, and the California English Language Development Standards are available at each grade level, Kindergarten through Twelve, along with links to any resources needed for implementation. Customized professional learning can be scheduled for your team, school, or district as well.
The History-Social Science Framework and supplemental resources, such as those featured below, are illustrative examples of K-12 integrated civics. Explore these documents, videos, and the Region 5 CLIC webpage for more. Additionally, high-quality distance learning lesson plans aligned to the California History-Social Science Framework and Standards, California Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts, and the California English Language Development Standards are available at each grade level, Kindergarten through Twelve, along with links to any resources needed for implementation. Customized professional learning can be scheduled for your team, school, or district as well.
How can my team and I support youth with community and civic engagement?
How can my team and I support youth with community and civic engagement?
"Civic engagement involves “working to make a difference in the civic life of one’s community and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.”1 Civic engagement includes both paid and unpaid forms of political activism, environmentalism, and community and national service.2 Volunteering, national service, and service-learning are all forms of civic engagement." (Youth.gov)
"Civic engagement involves “working to make a difference in the civic life of one’s community and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.”1 Civic engagement includes both paid and unpaid forms of political activism, environmentalism, and community and national service.2 Volunteering, national service, and service-learning are all forms of civic engagement." (Youth.gov)
The Monterey County Youth Civic Leadership Forum provides a venue for youth to speak out on issues that matter to them and connect with other students, adult allies, and community partners across the county. Learn more with the Monterey County Youth Civic Leadership Forum: 2020, 2021, Civic Engagement Opportunities, @WeCountWeRise on Twitter and Instagram, and @WeCountWeR1se on TikTok .
The Monterey County Youth Civic Leadership Forum provides a venue for youth to speak out on issues that matter to them and connect with other students, adult allies, and community partners across the county. Learn more with the Monterey County Youth Civic Leadership Forum: 2020, 2021, Civic Engagement Opportunities, @WeCountWeRise on Twitter and Instagram, and @WeCountWeR1se on TikTok .
How does the State Seal of Civic Engagement compare to the State Seal of Biliteracy?
How does the State Seal of Civic Engagement compare to the State Seal of Biliteracy?
"All California students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, will have early and frequent access throughout their PK-12 education to high-quality civic learning opportunities that enable students to learn about civic and political issues, discuss and deliberate issues while considering multiple viewpoints, and to take informed action to work with others to address real world problems." (Vision, State Seal of Civic Engagement Roadmap)
"All California students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, will have early and frequent access throughout their PK-12 education to high-quality civic learning opportunities that enable students to learn about civic and political issues, discuss and deliberate issues while considering multiple viewpoints, and to take informed action to work with others to address real world problems." (Vision, State Seal of Civic Engagement Roadmap)
"California schools affirm, welcome, and respond to a diverse range of English learner (EL) strengths, needs, and identities. California schools prepare graduates with the linguistic, academic, and social skills and competencies they require for college, career, and civic participation in a global, diverse, and multilingual world, thus ensuring a thriving future for California." (Mission, CA EL Roadmap)
"California schools affirm, welcome, and respond to a diverse range of English learner (EL) strengths, needs, and identities. California schools prepare graduates with the linguistic, academic, and social skills and competencies they require for college, career, and civic participation in a global, diverse, and multilingual world, thus ensuring a thriving future for California." (Mission, CA EL Roadmap)
Teaching for Global Competence and with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Teaching for Global Competence and with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
How does the State Seal of Civic Engagement relate to the new Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum?
How does the State Seal of Civic Engagement relate to the new Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum?
The Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum updates are posted at: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/cf/modelcurriculumprojects.asp. We are collaborating with the CDE, the California History-Social Science Project, the Salinas Valley Ethnic Studies, the Santa Clara County Ethnic Studies Project, and the Region 5 History-Social Science Community of Practice CLIC Project.
The Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum updates are posted at: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/cf/modelcurriculumprojects.asp. We are collaborating with the CDE, the California History-Social Science Project, the Salinas Valley Ethnic Studies, the Santa Clara County Ethnic Studies Project, and the Region 5 History-Social Science Community of Practice CLIC Project.
How can my district engage in the process of developing SSCE local criteria?
How can my district engage in the process of developing SSCE local criteria?
The CDE does not provide a required process of developing local criteria. Technical assistance is available (see below) to help facilitate a comprehensive and inclusive process.
The CDE does not provide a required process of developing local criteria. Technical assistance is available (see below) to help facilitate a comprehensive and inclusive process.
Technical Assistance
Technical Assistance
The MCOE Educational Services team provides technical assistance and would be delighted to support you, your team, school, and district to implement the State Seal of Civic Engagement, build collective capacity, transform relationships in schools, and inspire our students to be the change they wish to see in the world. We center equity and the needs of all students in our approach, elevating youth voice, agency, and leadership in the process.
The MCOE Educational Services team provides technical assistance and would be delighted to support you, your team, school, and district to implement the State Seal of Civic Engagement, build collective capacity, transform relationships in schools, and inspire our students to be the change they wish to see in the world. We center equity and the needs of all students in our approach, elevating youth voice, agency, and leadership in the process.
Customized Staff Development & Professional Learning Series resources and strategies could include:
Customized Staff Development & Professional Learning Series resources and strategies could include:
- Ensure equitable and universal access
2. Value and honor students and their community as positive assets
2. Value and honor students and their community as positive assets
3. Promote student-centered learning to support the whole child to effect positive change
3. Promote student-centered learning to support the whole child to effect positive change
Critical Civic Inquiry: Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) Curriculum (Students at the Center Hub)
Youth-led Participatory Action Research (YPAR) Virtual Learning Curriculum (UC Berkeley)
4. Provide enabling conditions and structures of support
4. Provide enabling conditions and structures of support
Contact
Contact
Educational Services Division, Monterey County Office of Education
Educational Services Division, Monterey County Office of Education