Civic Education Initiative

Civic Learning Award For California Public Schools
The Civic Learning Award for public schools is co-sponsored by former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye. We recognize and value the important role of public schools in preparing students for participation in our democracy, and have a partnership to support civic education in California. The awards are designed to both celebrate successful efforts to engage students in civic learning and to identify successful models that can be replicated in other schools.

To see a list of the 2020 winners, please go to the California Courts Civic Learning Awards web page and our news release.

Power of Democracy
Under the leadership of California State Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, the Power of Democracy Steering Committee works together to improve civic awareness, learning, and engagement in California. The committee includes representatives from all three levels of the California courts, the State Bar and local bar associations, as well as state and local education organizations (including a designee of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson).

Revitalizing K–12 Civic Learning in California: A Blueprint for Action (PDF; 2MB; Updated 05-Aug-2014)
The product of the California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning, this Blueprint was presented to Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson on August 5, 2014, in Sacramento.

This Blueprint addresses four key areas for schools and students in grades K-12: Curriculum, Instructional Practices, and Resources; Professional Learning; Community and Business Partnerships; and Student Assessment and School Accountability. It outlines a plan of action for students, teachers, administrators, business and community leaders, courts, and local government and elected officials to take immediate action to improve civic learning in all California schools and communities.

History of the California Task Force of K-12 Civic Learning

California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning [NOTE: the preceding web page is no longer available]
In 2013, Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson joined together to establish the California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning. The task force sought to define the skills, knowledge, and dispositions that our students need to be informed and involved citizens and community members, as well as made recommendations for how we can achieve these outcomes for all students in California.

The task force's goal was to create a blueprint to address four key areas for California school communities and students in grades K-12: Curriculum, Instructional Practices, and Resources; Professional Learning; Community and Business Partnerships; and Student Assessment and School Accountability. The result was Revitalizing K-12 Civic Learning in California: A Blueprint for Action (PDF; 2MB).

California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning Roster
A list of the co-chairs, members, advisory members, and staff for the California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning.

Civic Learning Press Release [NOTE: the press release is no longer available]
July 30, 2013: Work begins on Civics Education Initiative. A Joint Committee set up by the Chief Justice and State Superintendent of Public Instruction seeks changes to civics education.

Civic Learning California Summit: Making Democracy Work
February 28, 2013: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, and a committee of civic leaders organized the Civic Learning California Summit: Making Democracy Work to examine successes and barriers to increasing civic literacy in California. The event featured special guest Sandra Day O'Connor and launched the Chief Justice's "Your Constitution: The Power of Democracy" campaign. A video archive (Video; 3:07:46) of the event is also available.