Civic Learning Award Application Timeline Explained

Today (April 18) is the deadline for schools to submit a Civic Learning Application.

What happens next?

A panel of educators, judges, and court outreach coordinators will review applications.

Several POD Steering Committee members are returning this year to join educators from the California Department of Education to score applications. We seek additional panelists to volunteer approximately three hours next week to review and score applications. Honors are assigned based on the average score collected from several reviewers. The more input we have, the better!

I'll Score!

Panelists will receive 3-4 applications from one grade span. Scores will be added to others and then averaged to calculate the final score for each school. These scores are then shared with the Chief Justice and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI). Where there is a tie, the panel may be called together to discuss.

On Law Day, May 1, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero will announce the recipients (details to be announced soon).

The awards presentation will take place in September to commemorate Constitution Month.

• Award of Excellence (3): Chief Justice Guerrero will present these awards in person. The SSPI is invited and attends when his schedule permits.

  
  

• Award of Distinction (3): These awards are presented by a justice from the District Court of Appeal.

  
  

• Award of Merit (3): These awards are presented by a judge from the county superior court.

Honorable Mention (unlimited): Courts will be notified and offered the opportunity to present the honors. Otherwise, recipients receive their certificates of accomplishment in the mail.

Award support staff will help arrange all visits.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me! Thank you. These awards struggled through the pandemic with remote learning derailing many civic learning programs. But we're making a strong comeback thanks to all of you!

Happy Friday!

Penne