California Democracy School Civic Learning Initiative

 

The California Democracy School Project, originally funded by the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, is designed to institutionalize civic learning in elementary, middle, or high schools to prepare ALL students for college, career, and citizenship in the 21st century. The project strengthens existing initiatives including the Common Core State Standards, the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards, Partnership for 21st Century Learning, and the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools. It can also assist schools in preparing students to earn the State Seal of Civic Engagement.

For more information, please contact Michelle M. Herczog, Ed.D., Coordinator III, History-Social Science
at (562) 922-6908 or at Herczog_Michelle@lacoe.edu

News & Events
2024 California Democracy School Application Now Available!2024 California Democracy School Application Now Available!
YOUR school can be recognized as a California Democracy School! Learn how by contacting Michelle Herczog, Ed.D., Coordinator III, History-Social Science at LACOE at Herczog_Michelle@lacoe.edu ...Read more

Los Angeles County Office of Education Civic Engagement Recognition ProgramLos Angeles County Office of Education Civic Engagement Recognition Program
Like the State Seal of Civic Engagement, the LACOE Civic Engagement Recognition Program encourages districts to recognize civic engagement of young people. Students in grades 5 and 8 are eligible to receive a Certificate of Civic Engagement when local criteria....Read more

NEW!  California Democracy School Online Course!NEW! California Democracy School Online Course!
This self-paced online course is available on-demand, at no cost! Acquire strategies for implementing the five elements of high quality civic learning, resources for becoming a California Democracy School, and how to help students earn the State Seal of Civic Engagement....Read more

Educating for American Democracy Educating for American Democracy
The EAD Roadmap and Pedagogy Companion strengthens our goal to implement the CA HSS Framework and the State Seal of Civic Engagement. View this webinar series and resources....Read more

State Seal of Civic Engagement Recorded WebinarState Seal of Civic Engagement Recorded Webinar
(Access Passcode: %fY30@.u) This webinar led by Sarah Smith at the CA Dept. of Education and Michelle Herczog at LACOE presents information about the adopted criteria, student eligibility, process for applying for the Seal and resources to support implementation at your school. ...Read more

State Seal of Civic EngagementState Seal of Civic Engagement
The criteria for the State Seal of Civic Engagement has been approved by the California State Board of Education. Information and updates can be found here....Read more

STUDENT VOICES: The Power of DemocracySTUDENT VOICES: The Power of Democracy
Student Voices: The Power of Democracy Civic Learning Summit held on May 1, 2017 featured presentations and resources from students, schools, the business community, and judicial officers, all committed to preparing ALL students for civic life in the 21st century. ...Read more

Ted McConnell, Keynote Address at Student Voices Civic Learning SummitTed McConnell, Keynote Address at Student Voices Civic Learning Summit
Ted McConnell, Executive Director of the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools delivers an inspiring keynote address to attendees at Student Voices: The Power or Democracy Civic Learning Summit on May 1, 2017 at LACOE....Read more

2016 California Democracy School Showcase Event2016 California Democracy School Showcase Event
The video of this event features the civic learning work and awards to our 12 California Democracy Schools at a special showcase event held on April 30, 2016 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library....Read more

2015 California Democracy School Showcase Event2015 California Democracy School Showcase Event
This video of the event features the civic learning work of the twelve schools of our California Democracy School Civic Learning Initiative. The event was held on May 2, 2015 at the Richard Nixon Birthplace and Presidential Library....Read more