What is the Seal of Civic Readiness?
The Seal of Civic Readiness is a formal recognition that a student has attained a high level of proficiency in civic knowledge, civic skills, civic mindset, and civic experiences.
Why should I consider pursuing the Seal?
The Seal of Civic Readiness:
- Shows your understanding of a commitment to participatory government; civic responsibility, and civic values.
- Demonstrates to universities, colleges, and future employers that you have completed a pathway focusing on civic engagement and .
- Recognizes the value of civic engagement and scholarship.
What do I need to do?
- Complete all requirements for a New York State local or Regents diploma, and;
- Earn a total of six points from the chart below, including,
- at least two points in Civic Knowledge and
- at least two points in Civic Participation.
- Students will be awarded points as they complete classroom projects, regents exams, and independent activities that have a civics component to them.
| Civic Knowledge | Pts. | Civic Participation | Pts. |
| 4 Credits of social studies (1d – see more info below) | 1 | High School Civics Project (limit two times during grades 9-12) | 1.5 |
|
Mastery level on social studies Regents exam |
1.5* | Service-Learning Project (minimum 25 hours) and reflective civic learning essay/presentation/product (2b – see more info below) | 1* |
| Proficiency level on social studies Regents exam | 1* | Proficiency level in an elective course that promotes civic engagement | 0.5* |
| Advanced social studies course(s) | 0.5* | Middle School Capstone Project (Only students in grades 7 & 8 are eligible for this point) | 1 |
| Research Project | 1 | Extracurricular participation on work-based learning experience (minimum 40 hours) and an essay/presentation/product (2d – see more info below) | 0.5* |
| Civics Capstone Project (2e – see more info below) | 4 |
* Students may receive these points more than once.
I have enough points to be considered for a Seal, what do I need to do now?
Submit this form to notify the Seal of Civic Readiness committee you are ready for review.
I have more questions. Who can I speak with?
You can speak with Mr. Randall in person, or email him at arandall@duanesburg.org. You may also ask your social studies teacher for information.
Additional Information from the Chart Above:
Approved Advanced Social Studies Courses (1d)
- AP World History
- AP US History
- AP Government & Politics
- AP Psychology
- UHS Anthropology
- UHS Sociology
Service Learning Projects (2b)
Will not be linked to any course or elective. Students may complete these on their own independently and must get projects approved in advance by Mr. Randall or another Social Studies teacher.
Students completing a service learning project will need to complete a Volunteer Hours Tracking Sheet documenting their 25 volunteer hours.
In order to earn one point (Civic Participation) towards earning your Seal of Civic Readiness, students will then submit a Reflective Essay regarding their volunteer experience. Your reflection should:
-
- Include a brief overview of your volunteer experience (what did you do?)
- Discuss what you’ve learned through your volunteer experience in addition to discussing your thoughts, feelings, and opinions regarding your volunteer experience.
- Discuss how your volunteer experience has impacted your life?
- Discuss how you can apply what you’ve learned in your volunteer experience to your life?
- Be free of grammatical errors, and a minimum of 300 words.
Extracurricular Participation/Worked Based Learning (2d)
Any club can qualify, as long as students meet the requirements of being community service/civics based. Like elective courses, this is not limited to social studies-related activities.
Students will need to log their experiences using this Extra-Curricular Program/Work-Based Experience Log.
After completing 40 hours of Extracurricular program/work based experience students will need to complete an Extracurricular Program and Work-based Experience Student Review and Reflection.
Once completed students should submit their reflection to Mr. Randall for review via email at arandall@duanesburg.org.
High School Civics Capstone Project (2e)
Students may choose to complete the Civics Capstone Project, it is not a requirement to earn the Seal but if completed it will completely fulfill the Civic Participation requirement to earn the Seal by earning a total of 4 points towards the Seal.
Students who choose to complete a Civics Capstone Project should contact Mr. Randall or their Social Studies teacher in order to be added to the Google Classroom for project guidance and requirements.