High school graduation requirements: American government and civics: curriculum guide: State Seal of Civic Engagement.
- Extends the American government and civics course from one semester to one year starting in the 2032-33 school year.
- Requires schools to offer a standalone personal finance course by 2027, becoming mandatory for graduation by 2030.
- Mandates development of a comprehensive civics curriculum guide covering federal, state, and local government by 2028.
- Links completion of the year-long civics course to earning the State Seal of Civic Engagement.
Senators Ochoa Bogh and Allen propose comprehensive changes to California's high school civics education requirements, extending the current one-semester American government and civics course to a full year for students graduating in 2032-33 and beyond. The legislation allows school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools to maintain the one-semester requirement through formal action at a public meeting.
The bill directs the Instructional Quality Commission to develop and recommend curriculum guidelines by July 2028 for the expanded course. Required content includes detailed study of federal, state, local, and tribal government structures; direct democracy processes in California; civic participation methods; and voting procedures. The curriculum must also incorporate tools for constructive political dialogue, such as Socratic seminars and structured debates.
Students who complete the year-long course will automatically satisfy certain requirements for the State Seal of Civic Engagement, though they must still meet additional criteria to receive the designation. School districts participating in the State Seal program must maintain records of qualifying students and affix the appropriate insignia to diplomas and transcripts.
The legislation includes provisions for state reimbursement to local educational agencies if the Commission on State Mandates determines the new requirements impose additional costs. These changes align with other recent updates to graduation requirements, including mandatory personal finance and ethnic studies courses being phased in between 2025 and 2030.
This bill was recently introduced. Email the authors to let them know what you think about it.
Introduced By
Latest Voting History
 Benjamin AllenD Senator | Bill Author |  Not Contacted | |
 Steven ChoiR Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Eloise ReyesD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Lena GonzalezD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Dave CorteseD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted |
- Extends the American government and civics course from one semester to one year starting in the 2032-33 school year.
- Requires schools to offer a standalone personal finance course by 2027, becoming mandatory for graduation by 2030.
- Mandates development of a comprehensive civics curriculum guide covering federal, state, and local government by 2028.
- Links completion of the year-long civics course to earning the State Seal of Civic Engagement.
This bill was recently introduced. Email the authors to let them know what you think about it.
Introduced By
Senators Ochoa Bogh and Allen propose comprehensive changes to California's high school civics education requirements, extending the current one-semester American government and civics course to a full year for students graduating in 2032-33 and beyond. The legislation allows school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools to maintain the one-semester requirement through formal action at a public meeting.
The bill directs the Instructional Quality Commission to develop and recommend curriculum guidelines by July 2028 for the expanded course. Required content includes detailed study of federal, state, local, and tribal government structures; direct democracy processes in California; civic participation methods; and voting procedures. The curriculum must also incorporate tools for constructive political dialogue, such as Socratic seminars and structured debates.
Students who complete the year-long course will automatically satisfy certain requirements for the State Seal of Civic Engagement, though they must still meet additional criteria to receive the designation. School districts participating in the State Seal program must maintain records of qualifying students and affix the appropriate insignia to diplomas and transcripts.
The legislation includes provisions for state reimbursement to local educational agencies if the Commission on State Mandates determines the new requirements impose additional costs. These changes align with other recent updates to graduation requirements, including mandatory personal finance and ethnic studies courses being phased in between 2025 and 2030.
Latest Voting History
Benjamin AllenD Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
Steven ChoiR Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Eloise ReyesD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Lena GonzalezD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Dave CorteseD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted |