Seal of Civics Literacy

Seal of Civics Literacy Overview

Arizona Seal of Civics Literacy Program Proposed Board Rule Presentation

Seal of Civics Literacy Overview Presentation - Email ADE for an accessible version of this presentation

Eligibility

Eligibility for the State Seal of Civic Literacy:

• Any public school, charter, or district may choose to participate.
• Students must complete all requirements during grades 9-12 (except passage of the Arizona Civics Exam).
• Students must complete all social studies courses with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 out of a 4.0 scale.
• Students must pass the Arizona State Civics Exam.
• Students must complete activities from each of the 4 categories.
  • Category 1 - Civic Learning Program (Select any 3 activities)
  • Category 2 - Civic Engagement Activities (Select any 2 activities)
  • Category 3 - Service Learning and/or Community Service Activities (Complete 75 hours)
  • Category 4 - Written Reflection of Program

Participation Requirements

• Public school districts or charters are required to notify the Arizona Department of Education by September 1st of each school year by filling out the Intent to Participate Form.
• Public school districts or charters must designate at least one individual to serve as the Coordinator of the Program.
• Participating school districts and charters must submit a Reporting Form within 90 days from the close of school or by September 1st of the following school year.
• Participating school districts and charters must make information regarding the Seal of Civic Literacy program available to parents and students.

Arizona Civics Exam

Participating students must pass the Arizona Civics Exam.

• Students graduating in 2023-2025 must pass the Arizona Civics Exam with a passing score of 60% or better. 
• Students graduating in 2026 or later, must pass the Arizona Civics Exam with a score of 70% or better.
• The exam may be completed in middle school and used to meet the Seal of Civics Literacy requirement and the Arizona graduation requirement.

Category 1 - Civic Learning Programs

Participating students must complete 3 civic learning activities. These activities can be any combination of the programs listed below and maybe all from one type of category or from different categories. Students do not have to pass the AP exam to earn the seal nor do not have to attend a summer institute or intensive, these are only options. For example, a student could meet this requirement by participating in three school-sponsored extra-curricular activities such as Mock Trial, Model UN, and Law Day.

The menu of options is as follows (select any 3 civic learning activities from any category):

• Passage of the Advanced Placement (AP) Government exam with a score of 3 or better.
• Participation in civic summer institutes or intensive programs, examples are:
  • Civic Leadership Institute - ASU School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership
  • Cesar Chavez Leadership Institute - ASU
  • Other University-based programs
  • Senate Youth Program
  • Boys and Girls State
  • Junior Statesman
  • National Student Leadership Conference Programs in Government and Law
  • Close-Up
  • YMCA Youth and Government Program
• Participation in school-sponsored extra-curricular activities, examples are:
  • Mock Trial
  • Model UN
  • Speech and Debate
  • Law Day
  • National History Day
  • We the People
  • Project Citizen
  • Participatory Budgeting
  • Interact, Key Club, or any other service-based club
  • DemocraSeed
  • Teen Court
  • 2 years of participation in a JROTC program
• Other programs not listed may be used if approved by the Arizona Department of Education, contact Linda Burrows for approval.

Category 2 - Civic Engagement Activities

Participating students must complete at least 2 civic engagement activities. These activities must be completed outside of the school day.

The menu of options is as follows (select any 2 civic engagement activities):

• Serving on a site council
• Member of a commission or Youth Advisory Board
• Tribal Council
• Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts
• Attend at least two public government or school board meetings
• Volunteering for a political campaign
• Attend a protest, march, or demonstration
• Participation in voter registration, voter education, or a get-out-the-vote campaign
• Other programs not listed may be used if approved by the Arizona Department of Education, contact Linda Burrows for approval.

Category 3 - Service Learning and/or Community Service Activities

Participating students must complete 75 hours of service learning/community. These activities must be completed outside of the school day.

The menu of options is as follows:

• Students must complete the required hours for their graduating year for a public agency or charitable organization that serves the public good. 
• Enlistment in any branch of the United States Military (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, Space Force) before graduation meets this requirement.

Category 4 - Written Reflection

Participating students must complete a written reflection on their experiences earning the Arizona State Seal of Civics Literacy.

• This written reflection should demonstrate a student's civic knowledge as a culminating activity of their learning.
• Local districts/schools will determine the reflection criteria

Required Forms

• Intent to Participate Form (closed for this year, email ADE for assistance) - Completed by September 1st of each school year students participate in the Seal of Civics Literacy
• Reporting Form (closed for this year, email ADE for assistance) - Completed no later than 90 days after the school year or by September 1st of the following school year