by Garth Meyer
A new seal to honor civic engagement among Redondo Union High School students may be granted this year for the first time.
The program came from a 2017 state bill signed by Governor Jerry Brown, creating a state seal for civic education.
Requirements measure students’ understanding of the U.S. Constitution and California state constitution, and participation in civic matters. Eligible grades are 9-12, with a seal only earned as a junior or senior.
“There’s nothing more important than getting our students engaged in the world around them,” said Dan Elder, boardmember for Redondo Unified School District.
Molly Lower, an RUHS assistant principal, oversees the program.
Further criteria is a minimum 2.0 GPA and competent understanding of tribal government and tribal organization. Regular government or AP government class is required, along with one or more informed civic engagement projects, based on an identified need in the community, for which students research and propose a solution.
“This is really the heart of the seal,” Lower told the school board in September.
Kids must also exhibit character traits of civic-mindedness. Finally, seal candidates need two recommendations, from a teacher or counselor, then a mentor such as a coach, club advisor or community member to deem that the student “meets expectations.”
In the Redondo Unified district, a civic seal pathway is soon to be developed at the elementary and middle school level. A committee of teachers and administrators are set to define this later in the year, then make a recommendation to the school board. ER
