State Seal of Civic Engagement.

Assembly Member Jackson's proposal to update California's State Seal of Civic Engagement criteria would require students to demonstrate understanding of democratic institutions alongside existing civic education requirements. The measure directs the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to recommend new award criteria incorporating knowledge of democracy's core components, including the free press, library access, compulsory education, and the federalist system.

The bill maintains the existing framework requiring students to show excellence in civics education, understand constitutional principles, and participate in community service or extracurricular activities. Under the proposed changes, the Superintendent must consult with current secondary school history and social science teachers when developing the revised criteria. The State Board of Education would then have one year to adopt, modify, or reject the recommendations once received.

School districts would retain the option to participate in the State Seal of Civic Engagement program, which aims to recognize students who meet specified civic knowledge and engagement standards. The criteria must continue providing equal opportunity for all pupils to earn the seal while recognizing achievement beyond standard academic measures. The updated requirements would take effect when the State Board next revises the program's eligibility standards.