Seal of Civic Readiness - Liberty Central School District

Starting in the 2023-24 school year, Liberty Central School District was approved to offer the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness at the high school.

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 terms of civic knowledge, civic skills, civic mindset and civic experiences.

According to the New York State Education Department, the Seal of Civic Readiness distinction on a high school transcript and diploma:

Shows the student’s understanding of a commitment to participatory government; civic responsibility and civic values;
Demonstrates to universities, colleges, and future employers that the student has completed an action project in civics or social justice; and
Recognizes the value of civic engagement

How is “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, mindset, and experiences.

What is the seal distinction on the diploma?

The Seal of Civic Readiness can be awarded as a graduation distinction for students who meet the requirements but select a different pathway to graduation

What is the criteria for earning the seal?

The seal is earned through a flexible points-based system. Students must earn a total of six points, with at least two points earned in both civic knowledge and civic participation. Students must demonstrate a fundamental and functional knowledge of government, law, history, geography, culture, economics and current events and participate in developmentally appropriate civic experiences that engage students in relevant experiences and include students as active participants.

How is the seal a graduation pathway?

To earn a Regents degree, students must pass five required Regents exams, one in each of the core subjects: mathematics, English, science and social studies, plus a pathway, which can be another Regents exam or an alternative. Advanced Regents degrees require passage of one English, one social studies, two sciences and three math exams, plus a pathway, as well as a World Languages or a five-unit sequence in the arts or Career Technical Education. Those who complete the requirements to earn the Seal of Civic Readiness may use that as the pathway. Read more about pathways here.

Civic Knowledge

4 credits of Social Studies (1 point)
Mastery level (85+) on Social Studies Regents exam (1.5 points*)
Proficiency level (65-84) on Social Studies Regents exam (1 point*)
Advanced Social Studies Course(s) (.5 point*)
Research Project (1 point)

Civic Participation

High School Civic Project (limit two times during grades 9-12) (1.5 points)
Service-Learning Project (minimum 25 hours) and reflective civic learning essay/presentation/product (1 point*)
Earned credit in an elective course that promotes civic engagement (.5 points*)
Middle School Capstone Project (Grades 7 and 8 are only eligible for this point) (1 point)
Extra-curricular participation or work-based learning experience (minimum 40 hours) and an essay/presentation/product (.5 points*)
Civics Capstone Project (4 points)

*Students may receive these points more than once.

How do LCSD course offerings and the criteria for the Seal of Civic Readiness overlap?

Liberty follows much of the same criteria for the state to receive the seal, with at least two points in each civic knowledge and civic participation, but Liberty must also complete a capstone project for a total of eight points

Civic Knowledge (minimum 2 points required)

Passing all required Social Studies courses (1 point)
- Global 9 or Global 9H
- Global 10 or Global 10H
- US History
- Economics or Economics H
- Participation in Government
Mastery level (85+) on Social Studies Regents exam (1.5 points*)
- Global History & Geography II Regents
- US History & Government Regents (Framework)
Proficiency level (65-84) on Social Studies Regents exam (1 point*)
- Global History & Geography II Regents
- US History & Government Regents (Framework)
Passing of Advanced Social Studies Course(s) (.5 point*)
- SCCC US History 1
- SCCC US History 2
- SCCC Political Science
Civic Research Project (1 point)
- School-based Inquiry Topic
- Demonstration of anchor standards in writing through project
- Pertains to the class it is linked to

Civic Participation (minimum 2 points required)

Civic Project (identify course(s) occurs in) (1.5 points)
- Community or school-based project
- Emphasis on civic issue or problem
- Analyze, synthesize details
- Recommend & evaluate strategies/solutions
- Final project (essay, slide show, presentation)
Service-Learning Project (1 point*)
- 25 service hours tracked in Passport for Good APP
Passing of electives that promotes civic engagement (.5 points*)
- Freshman Leadership Orientation
- Career and Financial Management
- Entrepreneurship
Work Based Learning Experience or Extracurricular Program (.5 points*)
- 40 hour work or extracurricular program hours
- Essay or Poster/Slideshow or Oral Presentation or Video Journal

Civics Capstone Project (4 points)

Identify and analyze a civic issue
Identify the cause
Generate and evaluate solutions
Develop strategies and take informed action
Write a reflection essay
Give an oral presentation
Students will be assigned a Project Mentor