SSCE Criteria Development

The California Department of Education (CDE) oversaw the process for developing the criteria for awarding the SSCE. Per California Education Code Section 51470(a):

In developing criteria for the State Seal of Civic Engagement, the Superintendent shall incorporate the Six Proven Practices for Effective Civic Learning, and any and all other best practices for civic learning and engagement. In developing criteria for the State Seal of Civic Engagement, the Superintendent shall also consult with a diverse group of credentialed, current, classroom teachers who teach the subject of history-social science, including government, in secondary schools.

The following links provide information relating to the development of the SSCE criteria:

• Schedule of Significant Events
• SSCE Advisory Group Member List
• Six Proven Practices of Civic Education (PDF)
• Revitalizing K–12 Civic Learning in California: A Blueprint for Action (PDF)

Public Comment on the State Seal of Civic Engagement Draft Criteria

Input and recommendations from the SSCE Advisory Group helped to inform the initial draft criteria. The CDE also collected feedback from key stakeholders to ensure accessibility for all students, including civic education experts. Additional input was considered through a public comment process in March 2019.

State Board of Education Agenda Items Related to State Seal of Civic Engagement

To view State Board of Education (SBE) meeting agendas relating to the SSCE, visit the SBE Items Related to the SSCE web page.