Feature

Record Breaking Year for Civic Learning Awards

A record 92 public schools throughout California were recognized by the Civic Learning Awards. Now in it's seventh year, the awards recognize public schools for their civic education achievements.
Jun 11, 2019

A record 92 public schools throughout California were recognized with this year's Civic Learning Awards. Now in its seventh year, the awards program recognizes public schools for their achievements in civic education.

Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye visited the top three winning schools at each grade level, which received the coveted Civic Learning Award of Excellence:

  • Flora Vista Elementary School in San Diego County, where students designed and built a mock trial courtroom
  • Lexington Junior High School in Orange County, where all 7th-grade students take a Speech and Debate class and all 8th-grade students participate in Election Projects
  • Cypress High School in Orange County, where students design and conduct Civic Action Projects

Justices of the Court of Appeal visited the second place finishers, which earned the Civic Learning Award of Distinction. Recipients included an elementary school with an "IB Green Team" to promote recycling and sustainability, a high school that created a school-wide project-based learning model out of a controversial mascot, and a middle school that promotes civic awareness through student-designed public service announcements.

In addition, superior court judges throughout the state recognized third place winners in their local jurisdictions.

Video: Chief Justice on Importance of Civic Education

Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond cosponsor the Civic Learning Awards. The awards are part of the Chief Justice's Civic Learning Initiative, which includes other programs such as Judges in the Classroom.