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The New York State Seal of Civic Readiness (NYSSCR) is a formal recognition that a student has attained a high level of proficiency in their Social Studies coursework and demonstrated civic engagement.
Having this special designation on a transcript and diploma signifies the following demonstrated domains: Civic Knowledge, Civic Skills and Actions, Civic Mindsets, and Civic Experiences.
The Seal of Civic Readiness distinction on a high school transcript and diploma:
Shows the student’s understanding of and commitment to participatory government, civic responsibility, and civic values.
Provides universities and colleges with a method to recognize and provide credit for attainment of higher level of understanding and skills in Social Studies.
Demonstrates to universities, colleges, and future employers that students have earned recognition for their civic knowledge, skills, mindset and experiences.
Recognizes the value of civic engagement and scholarship to school communities and society at large.
The Seal of Civic Readiness may be a 4+1 pathway to meet New York State diploma requirements. The Seal of Civic Readiness may also be a stand-alone diploma seal for students who choose a different 4+1 pathway
How to Earn the Seal of Civic Readiness
In order to obtain the Seal of Civic Readiness, a student must earn a total of six (6) points in two areas: Civic Knowledge and Civic Participation with at least two (2) points for civic knowledge and two (2) points for civic participation.
Students MUST earn a TOTAL of 6 points from the
categories shown below.
Criteria for Demonstrating Proficiency in CIVIC KNOWLEDGE
(MUST Earn at Least 2 Points from this category)
*Students may receive these points more than once.
1a. Social Studies required for graduation (1 point)
Earn course credit for Global History & Geography 1
Earn course credit for Global History & Geography 2
Earn course credit for United States History & Government
Earn course credit for Participation in Government & Economics
Or the equivalent of these courses, as approved by the local public school superintendent or his or her designee or by the chief administrative officer of a registered nonpublic high school.
1b. Social Studies Regents Exams - Mastery Level (*1.5 points)
Demonstrate mastery level on the Global History & Geography Regents and/or United States History Regents.
1c. Social Studies Regents Exams- Proficiency Level (*1 point)
Receive a passing score on the Global History & Geography Regents and/or United States History Regents (apply safety net if eligible)
1d. Advanced Social Studies Courses (*0.5 points)
Demonstrate proficiency in an advanced social studies course (e.g. Honors, Pre-AP, AP, IB or College/University level approved by the school district; including dual enrollment courses or others approved by the SCR Committee.
1e. Research Project (1 point)
Demonstrate civic knowledge through a social studies research project. This project must be approved by the District’s Seal of Civic Readiness Committee.
Criteria for Demonstrating Proficiency in CIVIC PARTICIPATION
(MUST Earn at Least 2 Points from this category)
*Students may receive these points more than once.
2a. Civic Skills, Actions, and Mindsets (*1.5 points)
Complete a culminating high school civic project that demonstrates civic knowledge, skills, actions, and mindsets, as established by the local Seal of Civic Readiness Committee (SCRC).
2b. Civic Experiences Area I (1 point)
Complete a service learning project that includes a minimum of 25 hours of demonstrated service to the community and submit a reflective civic learning essay.
2c. Civic Experiences Area II (*0.5 points)
Demonstrate mastery in an elective course that promotes civic engagement (as defined by SCR committee) and submit a written application of knowledge essay.
2d. Civic Experiences Area III (*0.5 points)
Participate in an extra-curricular program, or work-based learning experience that promotes civic engagement or civic action for a minimum of 40 hours. Write an application of knowledge essay. This may be accomplished over four years of high school.
2e. Middle School Capstone Project (*1 point)
Complete the middle school capstone project that includes the essential elements listed below:
Identify an issue (local, state, national or global)
Apply civic knowledge, skills, actions, and mindsets to the issue
Present the overall project to the Middle School Capstone Committee.
CAPSTONE PROJECT (4 points)
The Capstone Project that includes these Essential Elements:
Identify an issue (local, state, national, or global)
Apply civic knowledge, skills, actions, and mindsets to the issue
Engage in a civic experience based on the issue to influence positive change to the community (local, state, national, or global)
Present overall project to the school’s Civic Readiness Committee
Please review detailed information about the criteria to earn the Seal of Civic Readiness on the NYSED Civic Readiness webpage
http://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/civic-readiness-initiative
or contact emscurric@nysed.gov
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