Civic Learning Awards | Power of Democracy

Award of Excellence 2023
Maple Creek Elementary School, Fresno County
Clovis Unified School District

chief justice standing with students inside classroom with award

A day to remember

Schools of Excellence receive a visit from California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. Schools of Distinction and Merit are presented their award by representatives from the local courts, with district superintendent office representatives and usually a film crew or two (see videos in the link below)!

Scoring Applications

The Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative is supported by the California courts and a network of educators. A panel of 12 volunteers comes forward annually to score applications. All identifying information is redacted before being shared with the panel. Before applications are forwarded to judges, fictitious names replace the school name, mascot, county, district, and other identifying details.

Each application receives a review by a team. The team scores are then averaged. In the event of a tie, bonus point credits are added to determine the level of honor.

Judges want to see an overall commitment from the district and surrounding community, with local government engagement, and student leadership. These awards don't celebrate school spirit. They celebrate the achievements of a student body to prioritize and innovate student engagement in their community. These awards celebrate students who know their role in society and their responsibility to uphold their democracy.

Extra Credit points are given to schools participating in the Judges in the Classroom program. Points are also given to schools promoting the State Seal of Civic Engagement.

What does it take to be honored? It takes storytelling skills. Through photos and videos, with a narrative that supports measured outcomes, the highest-rated applications tell the stories of how one teacher (or group of teachers) started, expanded, or innovated civic learning at their school.

Schools of all sizes receive honors. Those who can best demonstrate the impact of their efforts - in video or in writing - are often the ones who rise to the top. Gibert High School in Orange County was one of them in 2023!

The Chief Justice of California and State Superintendent of Public Instruction co-sponsor the Civic Learning Awards for California public schools. The award recognizes school-driven, district-supported civic learning efforts that engage students in civic learning. To apply, schools describe how they faced and overcame challenges, and engaged students to identify issues in their community (and think critically about solutions) by using the six research-based proven practices in civic learning, as outlined in the Guardians of Democracy Report.

Emphasis is placed on the depth and breadth of their efforts. Most award-winning schools require their entire student body receive at least one high-quality civic education experience during the school year.

Applications are posted in late February and are due on March 31. Honors are announced on May 1, Law Day. The awards program is made possible with support of the California Lawyers Foundation.

The 2024 Civic Learning Awards have arrived and will be delivered in person to top honorees!

Award of Excellence 2023
Maple Creek Elementary School, Fresno County
Clovis Unified School District

A day to remember

List of Honorees

View List

Scoring Applications

Award of Excellence 2023 Maple Creek Elementary School, Fresno County Clovis Unified School District

A day to remember

Award of Excellence 2023
Maple Creek Elementary School, Fresno County
Clovis Unified School District