State Seal of Civic Engagement

State Seal of Civic Engagement

How can Integrated Action Civics Support the State Seal of Civic Engagement? 

Students can earn the State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) on their transcript for work they do in pursuit of a more just and equitable world during their high school experience. 

The CDE developed 5 basic criteria for the Seal. Districts are tasked with interpreting how these will be met and developing programming to assure that all students have the opportunity to earn the SSCE.

The Integrated Action Civics Project offers districts, schools, and teachers a unique framework that integrates classroom-tested strategies into existing course curricula to build high-quality and deeply engaging civic learning experiences. 

  • Develop civic skills through the study of K-12 course content.
  • Explore historical case studies to learn how people work toward social change. Apply change-analysis lenses and strategies to examine root causes, power relations, stake/rights-holders, strategies and actions for change.
  • Provide scaffolding for students to meet Criteria 3 of the SSCE.

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IACP Supports for the SSCE Criteria:

Graphic illustrating change analysis supporting historical thinking

Criteria 1 & 2 - Academic Work & Civic Knowledge

Be engaged in academic work. Understand the role of the citizen in a constitutional democracy; and democratic principles, concepts, and processes.

IACP strategies promote deep and engaging critical thinking and analysis by providing new and compelling ways to look at history and our contemporary world. 

Students working on stakeholder analysis

Criteria 3 - Civic Engagement

"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."

Integrating IACP change analysis concepts and skills into K-12 curricula prepares students to effectively engage in civic life. Students build traditional skills in speaking, writing, using evidence, and crafting arguments across their educational experience. Similarily, by developing and reinforcing change-analysis skills in their routine course work, students will be well-equiped to identify problems in their community and apply the analytical lenses to take meaningful action.

Beyond building foundational concepts and skills, the IACP Change Analysis strategies can guide and scaffold authentic student civic engagement projects required for the SSCE. 

Screenshot of Visioning Justice strategy organizer

Criteria 4 & 5 - Self Reflection & Character

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.

Integral to the Integrated Action Civics framework are strategies to support deep student reflection and development of their 'sense of self'.

  • What characteristics and traits do I value in myself and others? (Values Inventory)
  • How did I come to view the world as I do? How does this impact my thoughts and actions? (Worldview)
  • What would a just society look like? How do my visions compare to the world in which I live? (Envisioning Justice)
  • How can I articulate my vision for a better world? (Manifestos)
  • What is my approach to contributing to a better society? (3 Types of Citizens)