State Seal for Civic Engagement

In October 2017, Assembly Bill 24 was signed into law by Governor Brown. The bill requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI), on or before January 1, 2020, to recommend to the State Board of Education (SBE) criteria for awarding a State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) to pupils who have demonstrated excellence in civics education and participation and an understanding of the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, and the democratic system of government. The bill also requires the SSPI to consider, among other criteria, the successful completion of history, government, and civics courses, including courses that incorporate character education and voluntary participation in community service or extracurricular activities. The bill requires the SBE, on or before January 31, 2021, to adopt, reject, or modify the criteria recommended by the SSPI.