Seal of Civic Engagement
The State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE)
What is the SSCE?
The Seal of Civic Engagement is an initiative by the state of California that was established in 2022. Much like the Seal of Biliteracy, this initiative works with students at the high school level, and provides a certification in the senior year for those who go show valuable skills. Whereas the Seal of Biliteracy recognizes the importance of world languages, and the benefit of communication across different communities and cultures, the State Seal of Civic Engagement conveys that a student is well informed in history and government and that they have a strong commitment to helping their community.
The Vision
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.
State Seal Purpose
- Recognize young people who are already participating in and knowledgeable about our democracy
- Encourage, and create pathways for, pupils in elementary and secondary schools to become civically engaged in democratic governmental institutions at the local, state, and national levels
Civic Learning Definition
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.
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.
- California History - Social Science Framework
