Application Process

[Your school district]'s plan of implementing the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness 

1. Your narrative may include information about: 

• Improving participation in experiential learning 

• Expanding access for all students to acquire and use the knowledge, skills, mindsets, and experiences to attain civic readiness 

• Promoting a relationship of trust, cultural responsiveness, and respect between schools and families

2. Here are some EXAMPLES of outcomes to consider: 

• Students will be given the opportunity to develop their leadership abilities, civic mindset, and lifelong commitment to community service with the goal of supporting our students to become contributing members of our society. 

• Students will gain an understanding of their local, national, and global community structure and use their knowledge and skills to help their communities and strive for a better world. 

• Through their involvement in community service, these students will develop a strong sense of civic responsibility while learning how to be effective problem solvers and gain the tools to work collaboratively with others to achieve positive change. 

• By acting the phrase, "think global, act local" they cultivate the skills and motivation to make a meaningful impact in their community and beyond. 

• It is the intention of this program to foster the inherent potential of our students to be the next generation of civic leaders. 

The implementation plan for the Seal of Civic Readiness (SOCR) program at the school includes specific activities and timelines to ensure a smooth and organized process. The plan should be divided into different phases, with benchmarks and responsibilities assigned to key individuals.

1. Your narrative may include information about: 

• Building the capacity of educators and administrators 

• Building culturally responsive instruction and learning environments to support high expectations and rigorous instruction including student led civic engagement that empower students as positive agents of social change 

• Professional development related to the Civic Readiness Initiative 

• Resource allocations in place to support the Civic Readiness Initiative 

• Approaches to accommodate diverse learning styles and language proficiencies 

2. Here are some examples of things to include in your plan: 

SUMMER: 

• The [committee member] will create a Google Classroom specifically dedicated to the SOCR program. This platform will serve as a digital hub for students and teachers to access relevant resources, assignments, and announcements related to the program.

• The school's counseling office, led by [committee member] , will add the names of students in grades 9-12 to the tracker. This will establish a tracking system to monitor students' progress towards earning the SOCR.

• The [committee member] will be assigned the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of the SOCR program, ensuring that all requirements are met and tracking student progress.

• The [committee members] will create a district guidebook for the SOCR program. This guidebook will provide comprehensive information about the program and will be shared with stakeholders, including students, parents, and staff.

• The school's counseling office, led by [committee member] ,will add information to the School Course Catalog about the courses that students will have the opportunity in which to earn seal credit.

FALL:

• The [committee members] will visit Participation in Government (PIG) and Economics (ECON) classes to introduce the SOCR opportunity to seniors. They will provide information about the program, its benefits, and the steps needed to earn the seal.

• The [committee members] will introduce introduce the SOCR opportunity to students during class talks or open house. They will provide information about the program, its benefits, and the steps needed to earn the seal.

WINTER:

• The [committee member], will hold checkpoint sessions and progress monitoring meetings with students who have chosen to complete the capstone project. These sessions will ensure that students are on track and provide support and guidance as needed.

• The school's counseling office, led by [committee member] , will update the course catalog with any adjustments or additions related to the SOCR program. This will provide accurate information to students and parents about the courses available for earning the seal.

• The school's counseling office, led by [committee member], will conduct counseling meetings with juniors and their families to discuss the application process for the SOCR program. The meetings will inform students and parents about the requirements, timelines, and available support.

• The school's counseling office, led by [committee member], will hold counseling meetings with seniors will be held to track their progress towards completing the SOCR requirements and earning the seal.

• The school's counseling office, led by [committee member] , will also be engaged in counseling meetings with underclassmen to raise awareness about the SOCR program and the opportunities it offers.

SPRING:

• The school's counseling office, led by [committee member]  will calculate the totals to determine which students have earned the seal based on their performance and completion of requirements.

• The superintendent will submit the names of students who have earned the seal to the NYS portal for official recognition.

• The [committee members]  will organize a reception or ceremony to honor the students who have earned the seal, similar to how the biliteracy seal is celebrated.

• The The [committee members] will add SOCR awards to the school's award ceremony, recognizing and celebrating the achievements of students who have earned the seal. (click HERE to download awards template)

By following this implementation plan, the school ensures that the SOCR program is effectively implemented with clear timelines, benchmarks, and assigned responsibilities. The plan covers various phases of the academic year and engages different stakeholders to support students in their journey towards earning the seal.

The school's communication plan for the implementation of the Seal of Civic Readiness (SOCR) includes various channels and strategies to ensure effective communication with parents, students, community partners, and other stakeholders. The plan aims to raise awareness about the SOCR, engage students in community service, and facilitate the overall implementation process. 

1. Your narrative may include information about: 

• Communication plan that targets students, staff, community, and other stakeholder groups Updated on March 1, 2022 

•  Goals and objectives for the Civic Readiness Initiative are clearly defined, actionable and serve as the foundation for communication and engagement efforts 

•  A well-maintained social media presence utilizing the #NYSCIVICSSEAL 

• A plan to build awareness and to strengthen civics education that align with the Definition of Civic Readiness 

• A plan to sustain and grow parent and community stakeholder engagement
  
  

2. Here are some examples of ways to communicate with stakeholders: 

• Website: The school's website will serve as a central hub of information regarding the SOCR. It will feature dedicated pages with details about the program, its objectives, requirements, and benefits. The website will be regularly updated to provide the latest news and resources related to the SOCR. Parents, students, and community members can access this information at their convenience.

• ParentSquare: ParentSquare, an online communication platform, will be utilized to inform parents about the SOCR. The school will send regular updates, newsletters, and important announcements through ParentSquare, ensuring that parents are well-informed about program activities, deadlines, and opportunities for their children. It will also provide a platform for parents to ask questions, seek clarification, and engage in discussions related to the SOCR.

• Student Advocates: Students who are actively engaged in community service and have successfully completed the SOCR will be designated as Student Advocates. These advocates will play a crucial role in educating and informing community partners about the SOCR. They will visit local organizations, businesses, and community events to share information, promote the program, and foster collaboration. This direct student-to-community engagement will help raise awareness about the SOCR and encourage partnerships.

• Presentation to students: Presentations will be conducted for students that will outline the purpose, requirements, and benefits of the SOCR. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions, seek guidance, and understand how the program aligns with their academic and personal goals. This targeted approach will ensure that the students are well-informed about the SOCR and can actively participate in its implementation.

• Open House: The school's Open House events will include specific sessions or booths dedicated to the SOCR. Parents, students, and community members attending the Open House will have the opportunity to learn more about the program, interact with teachers and administrators, and gain a deeper understanding of how the SOCR will benefit students and the community. The Open House will serve as a platform for open dialogue and collaboration, fostering support and engagement from various stakeholders.

• Bulletin Board: Bulletin boards can advertise the seal as an opportunity for students to earn with QR codes to the website, brochures with an overview of information and a place to celebrate those who have earned the seal. 

• Social Media: Social media is an excellent way to inform not only parents but the wider community about the seal.  This has the added benefit of promoting the prestige of the seal in the community so when students apply for jobs, employers are aware of the hard work and dedication students have demonstrated towards caring for their community. 

• School Newspapers: School newspapers provide advertisement of the opportunity for students from the student's perspective as to what the benefits might be and why their peers should apply to earn the seal. 

Overall, this communication plan combines online platforms, direct student involvement, targeted presentations, and community engagement opportunities to ensure that all stakeholders are informed about the SOCR. By providing consistent and transparent communication, the school aims to create a strong foundation for the successful implementation of the SOCR and encourage active participation from students, parents, and community partners.

The school has developed a student tracking process to aid in the implementation of the Seal of Civic Readiness (SOCR). This process includes various tools and systems to effectively track student progress, reduce the workload on counselors, and ensure the accurate documentation of student work. Here is a detailed description of the student tracking process: 

Click HERE to learn about the different methods for tracking

1. Your narrative may include information about: 

• Development and maintenance of a school wide data system that will enable all applicable points counted towards the Seal for each student. 

• The school level Seal of Civic Readiness Committee should determine if retroactive points will be allowable and how that information will be collected if applicable 

• Determine whether to build or buy a data management system 

• Clearly articulate system requirements relative to user needs 

• Evaluate the accessibility and consistency of the student tracking process 

• Plan and stage the implementation of the data system. 

2. Here are some examples of ways to Track student progress towards completing the seal: 

• Spreadsheet: A spreadsheet (ie. Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel) will be used as a central tracking system for student data related to the SOCR program. This spreadsheet will serve as a repository for student information, including course titles, course numbers, and other relevant details. 

• Systems of Tracking: The school has implemented systems of tracking to streamline the process and reduce the workload on counselors. These systems may include automated notifications or reminders to counselors and teachers regarding specific milestones or requirements related to the SOCR. This proactive approach will help ensure that students are progressing appropriately and that necessary documentation is being collected in a timely manner.

• User-Defined Features from a Student Management System: The spreadsheet will be customized to accommodate user-defined features from the schools student management system, such as course titles and course numbers specific to the school's curriculum. This flexibility will allow the tracking process to align with the unique academic offerings and requirements of the school, making it easier to monitor students' progress towards the SOCR.

*NOTE: Depending on your Regional Information Center (RIC, for example CNYRIC) an algorithm can be utilized to automatically transfer data from the school's student management system (ie. SchoolTool) to the spreadsheet, ensuring real-time updates and accuracy. Please contact your local RIC to see if this option is available to you. 

• Individual Student Tracker: Each student will have an individual student tracker, which can be maintained digitally and/or in paper format. This tracker will provide a comprehensive overview of the student's progress, including completed courses, community service hours, and other relevant information. It will serve as a reference tool for counselors, teachers, and students themselves, enabling them to monitor progress and ensure all requirements are met. Click HERE to download an example

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Schools can use a Learning Management System (ie. Google Classroom, Schoology, Blackboard, Canvas, etc.) as a platform to house evidence of student work related to the SOCR. Students will be able to submit their projects, presentations, or other artifacts digitally through the LMS. This will provide a centralized location for teachers to review and assess student work, ensuring that the necessary evidence is documented for the SOCR program.

By employing these tools and systems, the school's student tracking process for the SOCR program will become more efficient, accurate, and manageable. It will allow counselors, teachers, and students to stay informed about their progress, ensure the collection of necessary documentation, and facilitate a smoother implementation of the SOCR program.

The school has developed advisement and evaluation plans, policies, and procedures to facilitate the implementation of the Seal of Civic Readiness (SOCR). These plans and policies ensure that students have the necessary guidance, support, and evaluation measures in place to successfully earn the SOCR. Here is a detailed description of these plans:

1. Your narrative may include information about: 

•  Collection of formal and informal feedback to measure success to improve communications and engagement activities 

• Processes in place to adjust the program based on data analysis 

• Plan for awarding points is rigorous and consistent 

• Processes to measure and evaluate District Civic Readiness goals and action steps to attain goals. 

• A responsive services component on behalf of student with disabilities, English Language Learners, students experiencing homelessness and/or housing insecurity to ensure their ability to earn a Seal of Civic Readiness 

2. Here are some EXAMPLES of plans, policies and procedures: 

1. Scoring Rubrics: The school has implemented scoring rubrics that outline the proficiency levels required for students to meet in order to earn the SOCR. These rubrics provide clear criteria for evaluating student performance and determining their level of civic readiness. Students must demonstrate proficiency in specified areas to earn points towards the seal.

2. Capstone and HS Civic Project: The school has included the completion of a Capstone project and a High School Civic Project as key components of the SOCR program. These projects provide opportunities for students to apply their civic knowledge and skills in real-world contexts. To earn points towards the seal, students must meet the mastery level in these projects, demonstrating a deep understanding of civic engagement and community impact.

3. Future Course Offerings and Project Opportunities: The school has plans to expand course offerings and project opportunities for students in grades 9-12. This expansion aims to provide a wider range of options for students to engage in civic activities, explore various aspects of citizenship, and earn points towards the SOCR. The increased availability of courses and projects will enhance student participation and facilitate their progress towards earning the seal.

4. Counseling Office Handbook and Supporting Documents: The Counseling Office is developing a handbook and supporting documents specifically dedicated to the SOCR. These resources will provide comprehensive guidance to students, counselors, and teachers regarding the requirements, evaluation criteria, and necessary steps to earn the seal. The handbook will serve as a reference tool, ensuring that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the program and can effectively support students in their SOCR journey.

5. District-wide Policy: The school has implemented a district-wide policy that establishes the expectation for students attempting to earn the SOCR. The policy states that students who are pursuing the seal must reach the mastery level in their projects. This policy ensures consistency and equity in the evaluation process and underscores the importance of attaining a high level of civic readiness for seal recipients.

By implementing these advisement and evaluation plans, policies, and procedures, the school provides a structured framework for students to earn the SOCR. The use of scoring rubrics, capstone projects, and a district-wide policy emphasizes the significance of achieving proficiency and mastery levels in civic engagement. The development of supporting resources and plans for future expansion further enhances the school's commitment to promoting civic readiness among its students.

The Seal of Civic Readiness will allow those interested students to enrich their educational program by showing how they will be empowered to make informed decisions for the public good as members of a culturally diverse democratic society in an interdependent world.(Board of Regents) That goal lays the foundation for the school's program. As students work on the requirements they will identify how all should be welcomed and supported as we respect diversity; equity means that all will have opportunities to succeed and including all cultures, languages and experiences will allow everyone to feel safe, supported and valued. In our interdependent world our students must learn to treat all with dignity, respect and compassion. This opportunity will allow these scholars to experience that firsthand and create models for others to follow.

Click HERE to learn more about NYSED’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Initiative. 

1. Your narrative may include information about: 

• Preparing all students to become actively engaged citizens 

• Respecting diversity to meet the physical, social, and emotional needs for all 

• Creating an environment where all feel safe, supported, and valued
  
  

2. Here are some EXAMPLES of how DEI principles and values can be integrated into civic readiness initiatives: 

• Inclusive Civic Education: Civic readiness programs can incorporate diverse perspectives and histories into their curriculum. This ensures that individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and identities feel included and represented in discussions about civic engagement. By providing comprehensive and inclusive civic education, programs can foster a deeper understanding of social issues and encourage empathy and respect for diverse communities.

• Engaging Underrepresented Groups: DEI efforts within civic readiness can focus on reaching and engaging underrepresented groups, such as minority communities, individuals with disabilities, or low-income populations. This involves creating accessible platforms and resources that cater to diverse needs, promoting equal participation, and amplifying marginalized voices. By actively involving these groups, civic readiness initiatives can better reflect the diversity of society and ensure that all individuals have a voice in civic matters.

• Addressing Systemic Inequities: Civic readiness programs can address systemic inequities that hinder equal access to resources, opportunities, and representation. By exploring topics like institutional discrimination, socioeconomic disparities, and systemic racism, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. This knowledge can inspire individuals to advocate for equitable policies, work towards dismantling systemic barriers, and actively participate in civic initiatives that promote fairness and justice.

• Collaborative Decision-Making: DEI principles can be incorporated into the decision-making processes within civic readiness initiatives. By fostering inclusive and collaborative environments, programs can encourage individuals to work together, respect differing perspectives, and find common ground. This approach helps individuals appreciate diverse viewpoints and develop skills for engaging in constructive dialogue, negotiation, and compromise—essential components of effective civic participation.

• Community Partnerships: DEI efforts can involve establishing partnerships with community organizations and leaders who specialize in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. These partnerships can help civic readiness initiatives gain valuable insights into community needs and ensure that program resources are accessible and relevant to diverse populations. Collaborating with local organizations also provides opportunities for individuals to engage with and learn from diverse community members, fostering a sense of cultural competency and civic responsibility.

It's important to note that the specific connections between DEI and the Seal of Civic Readiness may vary depending on the context and implementation of civic readiness programs. However, by integrating DEI principles into civic education and fostering an inclusive environment, civic readiness initiatives can promote a more equitable and just society for all.