Introduction, Background, Definition, and Domains
Introduction
The New York State Seal of Civic Readiness (NYSSCR) is a formal recognition that a student has demonstrated the civic knowledge, skills, mindsets, and experiences necessary to become an actively engaged citizen. Earning the Seal of Civic Readiness distinction on a high school transcript and diploma
- Shows the student’s understanding of and commitment to participatory government, civic responsibility, and civic values;
- Provides universities and colleges with a method to recognize and provide credit for attainment of higher level of understanding and skills in Social Studies;
- Demonstrates to universities, colleges, and future employers that students have earned recognition for their civic knowledge, skills, mindset, and experiences; and
- Recognizes the value of civic engagement and scholarship to school communities and society at large.
Civic Readiness Initiative Background
The New York State Board of Regents and the Â鶹¹ÙÍø (Â鶹¹ÙÍø) prioritize civic education to empower students to make informed decisions for the public good in a diverse, democratic, and interconnected society. Civic education fosters civic competencies essential for a thriving democracy, teaching students to address community issues, respect others' rights, engage in respectful debate, and strengthen school-community relationships.
Building on New York’s longstanding civic education foundation, the New York Civic Readiness Diploma Seal reflects this commitment. Since 1985, graduation requirements mandate all seniors to complete a Participation in Government course. In 2000, State Education Law mandated instruction in civility, citizenship, and character education. Participation in Government guidance was updated in 2014 to enhance civic engagement skills critical to democracy.
The 2018 Civic Readiness Index, included in New York’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan, evaluates schools’ success in preparing students for college, careers, and civic life. The Civic Readiness Seal, introduced as a measure of readiness, was developed by the Civic Readiness Task Force in 2018 and approved by the Board of Regents in 2021. Piloted in 117 schools, the Seal was implemented statewide for the 2022-2023 school year. During the 2023-2024 school year, 25,422 students had earned the Seal. Currently, over 500 schools are participating in the program. This growth highlights the Seal’s role in advancing civic education and enhancing graduation flexibility. Stakeholders and pilot schools provided input to create a manual for implementing the program, ensuring continued success during its expansion.
Civic Readiness Defined
Civic readiness is the ability to make a positive difference in the public life of our communities through the combination of civic knowledge, skills and actions, mindsets, and experiences.
Civic-ready students apply knowledge, skills, and mindsets to make decisions and take actions for themselves, their communities, and the public good in a diverse, democratic society. Schools must provide meaningful opportunities for students to develop these competencies and engage in authentic civic experiences, preparing them to contribute at all levels—from their schools to the global community. Civic education strengthens relationships among students, schools, families, civic leaders, and community partners.
Â鶹¹ÙÍø is dedicated to fostering civic readiness through Pre-K–12 education, emphasizing equity and inclusion in all efforts. This commitment aligns with the Regents’ Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Plan, ensuring all students are empowered as civic participants.
Civic Readiness Domains
Civic readiness is continuously developed throughout students’ Pre-kindergarten - 12th grade education and should include focus on the following Domains:
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ÌýCivic Knowledge: Demonstrate a fundamental and functional knowledge of government, law, history, geography, culture, economics, and current events. These may include inequities within our democratic system at the federal, state, and local level. Students should know how to apply this knowledge to different circumstances and settings.
ÌýCivic Mindsets:ÌýDemonstrate the mindset of a participant in a democratic society. A civic mindset is a commitment to democratic interpersonal and intrapersonal values, virtues, attitudes, and beliefs and informed actions that promote and facilitate meaningful participation in civic life. It is an understanding of self as part of and responsible to larger social groups.
ÌýCivic Skills & Actions:ÌýDemonstrates a broad array of skills including but not limited to critical thinking, analytic, verbal, communication, media literacy skills. Students participate in a wide variety of civic activities leading to a range of civic actions. Students practice such actions outside the classroom and inside school on a regular basis.
ÌýCivic Experiences:ÌýParticipate in developmentally appropriate civic experiences. Civic readiness should be developed in a variety of settings and ways—inside and outside of the classroom, across content areas, and for multiple purposes. Civic Readiness should be promoted by engaging students in relevant experiences that include students as active participants.
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