State Seal of Civic Engagement

OVERVIEW

On September 10, 2020, the State Board of Education (SBE) adopted criteria and guidance to award a State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) to California students who demonstrate excellence in civic education and participation and an understanding of the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, and the democratic system of government. By adopting these criteria, California joined a small but growing number of states that formally recognize and promote student civic engagement with seals to affix to student transcripts, diplomas, or certificates of completion.

Garden Grove Unified School District is committed to promoting a civic-minded school culture at all high school campuses, and all students are encouraged to earn the State Seal of Civic Engagement. The Garden Grove Unified School District State Seal of Civic Engagement would recognize students in grades 11 and 12 who are able to demonstrate excellence in civic education with a special seal on the diploma as well as appearing on the student’s transcript.

Each candidate for the State Seal of Civic Engagement will complete an application, which will be submitted to their site State Seal of Civic Engagement Coordinator. Applications will be reviewed to verify that criteria have been met and sent to the Department of 7-12 Instructional Services. The State has defined the criteria by which students may earn this recognition.

State Criteria For The State Seal of Civic Engagement

Be engaged in academic work in a productive way;
Demonstrate a competent understanding of the United States and California constitutions; functions and governance of local governments; tribal government structures and organizations; the role of the citizen in a constitutional democracy; and democratic principles, concepts, and processes;
Participate in one or more informed civic engagement project(s) that address real-world problems and require students to identify and inquire into civic needs or problems, consider varied responses, take action, and reflect on efforts;
Demonstrate civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions through self-reflection
Exhibit character traits that reflect civic-mindedness and a commitment to positively impact the classroom, school, community, and/or society.

Earning The State Seal of Civic Engagement in Garden Grove Unified School District

All students enrolled in a GGUSD school, grades 9-12, are eligible to begin working on completion of the SSCE criteria
Students may begin working on the SSCE criteria in grade 9 and must meet all criteria by the end of the first semester in grade 12
Students who meet all five criteria may be awarded the State Seal of Civic Engagement
Seals will be awarded in grades 11 or 12 and may be affixed to a diploma, certificate of completion, or transcript
A designated SSCE Coordinator at each high school site will monitor and encourage student progress toward obtaining the seal
Opportunities to fulfill SSCE criteria will exist at your school site and within your Garden Grove community

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE)?

The SSCE is a recognition conferred by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction for California public school students in grades eleven or twelve who demonstrate excellence in civics education and participation, as well as an understanding of the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, and the democratic system of government.

What kind of insignia will be provided by the California Department of Education?

The SSCE is a recognition conferred by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction for California public school students in grades eleven or twelve who demonstrate excellence in civics education and participation, as well as an understanding of the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, and the democratic system of government.

Is there a cost to students for the Seal?

No fee may be charged to students who attain the State Seal of Civic Engagement.

Must students achieve all five statewide criteria in order to earn a seal?

Yes, a student must meet all of the statewide criteria to earn the SSCE.

Who is eligible to earn the SSCE?

Any pupil in grades eleven or twelve enrolled in a California public school, the juvenile justice system, and/or in an alternative school setting who has met the criteria adopted by the governing board of their Local Education Agency, which is based on the statewide criteria adopted by the California State Board of Education, is eligible to earn the SSCE.

When do students have to meet the criteria to earn a SSCE?

In Garden Grove Unified School District, students have until the end of the first semester of their Senior year to turn the completed application into the SSCE Coordinator at their school site.