Pupil instruction: civic engagement.

Senator Limón's proposal expands California's civic education framework by extending the California Serves Program to grades 1-12 and establishing new civic engagement requirements for elementary and middle school students. The legislation modifies existing Education Code provisions to broaden service learning opportunities beyond their current high school focus.

The bill requires school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools to implement a Civic Engagement Pathway Program for grades 1-8. This program mandates opportunities for students to interact with governmental institutions in ways that align with State Seal of Civic Engagement criteria. Local educational agencies must provide teachers with civic learning resources and implementation support.

Under the expanded California Serves Program, the State Department of Education and CaliforniaVolunteers must develop metrics for measuring student progress, review evidence-based practices, and provide recommendations for expanding access to service learning programs by January 2027. The bill maintains the existing $5 million annual appropriation from the General Fund for grants up to $500,000 to eligible local educational agencies where at least 55% of enrolled pupils meet specified criteria. These funds can be used for teacher planning time, professional development, instructional materials, participation costs, and program coordination.

The legislation also updates requirements for the history-social science framework to incorporate civic engagement experiences at all grade levels. Local educational agencies must submit annual reports detailing program participation, demographics, community impact, and student outcomes, including State Seal of Civic Engagement attainment rates.