The fall deadline for 2027 applications for the State Seal of Civic Engagement is September 30, 2026
In a constitutional democracy, productive civic engagement requires knowledge of the history, principles, and foundations of our American democracy, and the ability to participate in civic and democratic processes. People demonstrate civic engagement when they address public problems individually and collaboratively and when they maintain, strengthen, and improve communities and societies. …
Civics is not limited to the study of politics and society; it also encompasses participation in classrooms and schools, neighborhoods, groups, and organizations. …Civics enables students not only to study how others participate, but also to practice participating and taking informed action themselves.
Under the leadership of the Salinas Union School District Board of Trustees, this Civic Learning Plan provides guidance and direction for ALL students to engage civically in their schools, neighborhoods, the larger Salinas community, and the world through multiple pathways of civic learning, action, and reflection. This plan aligns with the core values of SUHSD and seeks to forward our district established goals as outlined in the LCAP.
The vision for highly effective and equitable civic education requires several action steps at the various levels of our district. The development of this plan took into consideration current practices and processes that could be built on as well as identified areas of growth and development of civic learning opportunities from the classroom, school site, district, and community. A focus on promoting authentic student voice and civic engagement is at the heart of the entirety of this plan. The committee identified needs around curriculum, professional development, site and district decision making, and community partnerships. This document describes recommendations for development of district and site based action plans toward a comprehensive, coherent, and successful implementation of the goals laid out in this Civic Learning Plan.
