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Civic Learning

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 State Seal f​or Ci​vic Engagement Resources​

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 Civic Lear​​​​ning Aw​ards ​

 The Civic Learning Awards website applications will be available. The Civic Learning Awards celebrates   public schools' efforts to engage students in civic learning. The award program also identifies models that   can be replicated in other schools. 



State Seal of Civic Engagement Webinar

When: September 23, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: Virtual

​Cost:  Free​​

Register here   - website (to follow)

Download flyer here  - pdf (to follow)


Civic Pathways Kickoff

​In this webinar, we will share updates from the California Department of Education, highlight effective models of practice, discuss strategies to increase participation, and information about how the Orange County Department of Education provides support to districts, teachers, and students. 



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When: September 30, 2026

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location: Virtual

​Cost:  Free​​

Register here   - website (to follow)

Download flyer here  - pdf (to follow)



OC Civic Learning Institute

K-5

When: October 28, 2026 
             
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Location: Orange County Department of Education
                  200 Kalmus Dr. 
                  Costa Mesa, CA 92626
                  Conference Center Room D1004

Cost:​ $75

Register here - website  (to follow)

Download flyer​ here​​​​​​​​​​ - pdf ​​​​ (to follow)


OC Civic Learning Institute

6-12

When: January 27, 2027 
             
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Location: Orange County Department of Education
                  200 Kalmus Dr.
                  Costa Mesa, CA 92626
                  Building B, Room B1011

Cost:​ $75

Register here - website  (to follow)

Download flyer​ here​​​​​​​​​​ - pdf ​​​​ (to follow)


Civic Educator Award Nomination

Application Form - here
Submit nominations by November 20, 2026
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For K-8 teachers and Administrators. Attend this virtual informational meeting to register and participate in the Orange County Department of Education K-8 Civic Pathways Program.​









During the K-12 Civic Learning Project Training, school teams of educators and district leaders will deepen their understanding of the knowledge, skills, and dispositions students need to become civically engaged and democratically ready. Participants will:

  • Examine the critical distinction between community service and authentic civic learning projects aligned to the California History-Social Science Framework and make cross curricula connections. 
  • Explore grade-band Civic Learning Outcomes and classroom-ready strategies for grades K-2,3-5,6-8, and 9-12.
  • Develop a Civic Action Project plan for their classroom or school community.
  • Learn about pathways that support students toward the State Seal of Civic Engagement, including structures for elementary, middle, and high school students. 
By the conclusion of the training, school teams will leave with a concrete action plan to deepen and expand authentic civic learning experiences for their students.

Participants who​ attend the full training and submit a completed Civic Action Project plan will receive a K-12 Civic Learning Certificate of Completion. ​















Recognize a colleague for outstanding work in civics education. 

The Orange County Department of Education Civic Educator Award is an annual recognition​, honoring educators across Orange County school districts who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to authentic, standards-aligned civic learning in their classrooms and communities. 

                 


​ Civic Learning Pathways


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 The purpose of the Civic Learning Pathway program is to encourage elementary and middle educators   to construct opportunities for students that lead to the development of civics skills and dispositions, as   well as content aligned with the State Seal of Civic Engagement. Students can earn Civic Learning   ​   Pathways certificates from their county office of education for the attainment of goals in their grade-   level band.

 The Civic Learning Pathways document and slide deck explaining how it can be used are   found  here: Google Folder​.

 If you want to support the Civic Learning Pathways program in your district, please complete the               Google F​o​rm​​ [website]​ below by January 29, 2027.

 To f​inalize student recipients of the Civic Pathway Awards, send an email to: Cameron   Castaneda <ccastaneda@ocde.us>  with yo​ur order forms by March ​13, 2026.​

 What is the State Seal of Civic Engage​​​ment?

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