NYS Seal of Civic Readiness
Three Village Students Take Action
2023 - 2024 School Year
Mission
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.
Criteria for the Seal of Civic Readiness
In order to obtain the Seal of Civic Readiness, a student must complete all requirements for a New York State local or Regents diploma and earn a total of six points with at least two points in Civic Knowledge and at least two points in Civic Participation. Students may also earn points by completing a middle school Capstone project or a high school Capstone project.
4 credits of social studies (1 point)
Mastery level on Social Studies Regents Exam (1.5 points*)
Proficiency level on Social Studies Regents Exam (1 point*)
Advanced social studies course(s) (.5 point*)
Research Project (1 point)
*Students may receive these points more than once.
High School Civics 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 point*)
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 point*)
Civics Capstone Project (4 points)
*Students may receive these points more than once.
The New York State Seal of Civic Readiness (NYSSCR) formally recognizes that students have demonstrated the civic knowledge, skills, mindsets, and experiences necessary to become actively engaged citizens. 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 the attainment of a 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
Recognizes the value of civic engagement and scholarship to school communities and society at large.
The Seal of Civic Readiness is an approved +1 Pathway to meet New York State diploma requirements. However, if a student has already passed five Regents Exams or has chosen a separate 4+1 Pathway, they may still earn the Seal of Civic Readiness as a stand-alone distinction on a NYS High School Diploma.
For more information, visit http://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/seal-civic-readiness
