Seal of Civic Readiness
The New York State Seal of Civic Readiness recognizes high school students who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and commitment needed to actively participate in civic life. Students who earn the Seal show they understand and value civic responsibility, government participation, and community engagement.
This distinction appears on a student’s diploma and transcript, signaling to colleges, universities, and employers that they have achieved a high level of civic understanding and leadership. The Seal celebrates the importance of civic education and highlights students’ efforts to make a positive difference in their schools, communities, and beyond.
Civic Readiness Domains
Students build civic readiness from Pre-K through 12th grade by developing knowledge, mindsets, skills, and experiences that prepare them to engage meaningfully in their communities.
1. Civic Knowledge
Students learn how government, law, history, and current events shape our society. They understand civic rights and responsibilities—such as voting and volunteering—and can apply their learning to real-world issues and decisions.
Students learn how government, law, history, and current events shape our society. They understand civic rights and responsibilities—such as voting and volunteering—and can apply their learning to real-world issues and decisions.
2. Civic Mindsets
Students develop the attitudes and values of active citizens. They learn to appreciate diversity, equity, empathy, and fairness, respect differing opinions, and balance personal freedom with the common good.
Students develop the attitudes and values of active citizens. They learn to appreciate diversity, equity, empathy, and fairness, respect differing opinions, and balance personal freedom with the common good.
3. Civic Skills & Actions
Students practice key civic skills like critical thinking, respectful dialogue, collaboration, and media literacy. They take part in civic activities and learn how to advocate, problem-solve, and contribute to positive change in their schools and communities.
Students practice key civic skills like critical thinking, respectful dialogue, collaboration, and media literacy. They take part in civic activities and learn how to advocate, problem-solve, and contribute to positive change in their schools and communities.
4. Civic Experiences
Students participate in hands-on learning that connects them to civic life—such as service projects, student government, debates, or community engagement. These experiences help students apply civic knowledge and skills in authentic ways that make a difference.
Students participate in hands-on learning that connects them to civic life—such as service projects, student government, debates, or community engagement. These experiences help students apply civic knowledge and skills in authentic ways that make a difference.
Criteria for the NYSED Seal of Civic Readiness
To earn the Seal of Civic Readiness, a student must earn a total of six points on the chart below. A student must earn at least two points from column #1 (Civic Knowledge) and at least two points from column #2 (Civic Participation), and an additional two points from either column. This chart is a menu of options designed to allow for flexibility. This is not a checklist. It is not necessary for a student to earn points in all these categories to earn the Seal of Civic Readiness.
Seal of Civic Readiness Resources
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Jennifer Bartlett-Prati
Faculty Information
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Administration
Title(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
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x172