Dear County and District Superintendents, Charter School Administrators, and School Principals:

2019–20 Civic Learning Awards

We recognize and value the crucial role that elementary, middle, and high schools play in preparing each generation for participation in our democracy, so with great enthusiasm we invite you today—on Constitution Day—to apply for the California Civic Learning Award. Now in its eighth year, the award is designed to celebrate successful efforts to engage students in civic learning and to identify at each grade span effective models that can be replicated. Applications are due January 17, 2020.

The Civic Learning Award program has three levels: Awards of Excellence, Distinction, and Merit. Winners are selected from each grade span by a panel of experts based on the depth and breadth of their civic learning classes, clubs, and programs. Award of Excellence winners receive a personal visit from the Chief Justice. Award of Distinction winners are visited by an appellate court justice, and superior court judicial officers provide recognition to schools receiving the Award of Merit. The winners in the two top categories will also receive a plaque and be invited to the California School Recognition Program Ceremony hosted by the California Department of Education.

All Civic Learning Award recipients as well as the 2019 application may be found on the California Courts website at http://www.courts.ca.gov/civiclearningaward.htm.

We hope that you will take this opportunity to recognize the civic educators at your school and share the application with them.

If you have questions, please contact Judicial Outreach at judicialoutreach@jud.ca.gov.

Sincerely,

TONY THURMOND
State Superintendent of Public Instruction

TANI G. CANTIL SAKAUYE
Chief Justice of California

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