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Civic Diploma Seal

The Washington Civic Learning Council is leading a new initiative to adopt a civic diploma seal program in WA State, in partnership with Fix Democracy First Education Fund, Generation Citizen, the Washington State Council for the Social Studies, a civic seal working group of leading social studies educators, and in consultation with the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The civic seal working group includes Amber Anderson (Bellevue SD), Shari Conditt (Woodland SD), Leslie Heffernan (Central Valley SD), Joshua Parker (North Thurston SD), John Zingale (Vancouver SD).

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Call for Feedback

Washington's Civic Seal Proposal to Strengthen Youth Civic Readiness

The Civic Seal Working Group, composed of Social Studies Educators and Nonprofit Leaders, created a working document, “Washington’s Civic Seal Proposal to Strengthen Youth Civic Readiness." Feedback is welcome from educators, community members, students, and community‑based organizations to help shape and refine this document. Broad community input is essential as we collaboratively design a Civic Seal for Washington’s K–12 schools. See the proposal to provide feedback.

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Woodland School Board and high school teachers honored for pioneering first civic seal in WA

In September 2025, Shari Conditt (CLC member), Kyla Keefer, Julia Stepper, and Katie Klaus—four teachers at Woodland High School in Woodland (Cowlitz County), WA—proposed the creation of a new Civics Diploma Seal program to recognize students who have demonstrated exemplary performance in civics.  To earn the Civics Diploma seal, Woodland students need to complete tasks in each of the five virtues: Justice, Civility, Self-Discipline, Service, and Citizenship. This program was given the full support of the Woodland School Board and is the first of its kind in WA State. 

In May 2026, Woodland School District was officially recognized by the Civic Learning Council for its trailblazing leadership in civic education. 

What's the Problem?

Civics is required, but often limited

  • Current requirement: 0.5 credit in HS civics course

  • Emphasis often on content, not application

  • Limited recognition for students who go beyond the minimum

  • Missed opportunity to connect civics to real-world skills and careers

Why Now?

  • America’s 250th anniversary creates an opportunity to recommit to civic education in WA

  • Washington has strengthened civics requirements—but we can go further

  • Students, employers, and communities benefit from applied civic learning

  • This moment allows new opportunities to revitalize civic education

What is the Civic Diploma Seal?

The Civic Diploma Seal is a formal recognition awarded to students who demonstrate:

  • Exceptional proficiency in civic literacy

  • Civic virtues of mutual respect and cooperation to contribute to the common good

  • Civic engagement for the betterment of the community

Who can earn the Civic Diploma Seal?

In the proposal, all students in Washington State will be eligible to earn the seal. Including students​:

  • With special needs

  • In career and technical education

  • In alternative educational settings

  • Earning a GED

  • Home-schooled​

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Students can earn a silver, gold, or platinum civic diploma seal depending on their involvement over time:

  • Silver for high school​

  • Gold for middle school and high school

  • Platinum for elementary, middle, and high school

What does the seal signify?

Competence, not ideology

Students earning the seal demonstrate the ability to:

  • Actively engage in their communities

  • Navigate public institutions

  • Collaborate across differences

  • Apply civic knowledge in real-world contexts

  • Contribute productively to workplaces and public life

  • Inspire students to serve their communities

Why does it matter?

Educational, Civic, and Workforce Impact

  • Social Studies is a core subject strengthened by active civic engagement

  • Strengthens democracy without partisanship

  • Develops employer-valued skills:

    • Critical thinking

    • Communication

    • Collaboration

    • Ethical reasoning

    • Institutional fluency

  • Rebuilds Washington’s leadership in civic education

  • Invests in our future at the local and state levels, and beyond

How can you support this initiative?

The civic diploma seal initiative is being led in partnership with:

We invite you to join us by:

  • Signing a letter of support

  • Contacting your state legislator

  • Reaching out to community members and civic groups to share information about the civic seal initiative

Through

2026

Stakeholder Engagement & OSPI Conversations

January - May

2027

Pass Funding Bill During State Legislature Session

May - August

2027

Onboard School Districts

School Year

27-28

First Year of Implementation

Proposed Timeline

What can you do?

Advocate and share information about the Civics Seal in your community.

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We Need Your Support

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