School Counseling Support

Criteria for the Seal of Civic Readiness 

In order to obtain the Seal of Civic Readiness, a student must complete all the requirements for a New York State local or Regents diploma and earn a total of six points with at least two points in Civic Knowledge and at least two points in Civic Participation. Students may also earn points by completing a middle school Capstone project and/or a high school Capstone project.

Several of the components of the Seal of Civic Readiness (circled in red below) can be tracked by school counselors and/or administrators to maintain student privacy. The components would be accessed through student transcripts and records. 

*Students may receive these points more than once.

Testing accommodations recommended in an individualized education program or section 504 should be adhered to. Accommodations Plan must be provided for all State and districtwide assessments administered to students with disabilities, as consistent with State policy. Students in schools with an alternate pathway for graduation approved by the Commissioner will be held to those schools' criteria.

Best Practices

• Active participation by a school counselor or department representative on the school’s Seal of Civic Readiness Committee

• Creating a schedule for when eligible students’ transcripts are reviewed and points are awarded

• The use of an electronic tracking process which is secure and complies with all applicable district, state, and federal privacy policies and laws

• Drafting a “course catalog” which specifies which courses are eligible for “Advanced Social Studies Course” or “Elective Course that Promotes Civic Engagement” credit

• Highlighting for students interested in the Seal how it assists in college and career preparedness

• Leveraging relationships with community organizations that are focused on civic engagement and action

• Regularly examining course offerings to maximize student opportunities and access

• Assisting in facilitating ongoing communication between the school, students, and families regarding the Seal of Civic Readiness