Civic Learning Award Winners Announced

for release

Contact: Deborah Genzer, 415-865-8755

February 28, 2013

Civic Learning Award Winners Announced

Twenty-two California public high schools recognized

civic award recipients with Chief Justice

SACRAMENTO—Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today announced 22 winners of the new Civic Learning Award.  The awards, announced at today’s Civic Learning Summit, celebrate successful efforts to engage California public high school students in civic learning and spotlight replicable models for other schools.

“It’s exciting to see how the most creative educators help students learn the workings of government and how they can engage with it,” said Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye. “The leaders of tomorrow are in high schools today, and these courses and programs are helping students discover the power of democracy. I’m looking forward to visiting some of the award-winning schools. ”

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said, “Much of what happens in our schools on a daily basis is about preparing students to take their places in the society and economy they will encounter when they leave our classrooms. These 22 schools in particular have done an exemplary job in teaching and encouraging civic engagement, so that their students will have the tools they need to participate fully in our democracy and help shape the world around them.”

The winners were selected by an expert panel, based on the depth and breadth of their civic learning courses or programs. Three schools earned Awards of Excellence:

  • Alliance Judy Ivie Burton Tech Academy in Los Angeles
  • Golden Valley High School in Bakersfield
  • San Marino High School in San Marino

Five schools received Awards of Distinction, and fourteen schools received Awards of Merit.

During the Civic Learning Summit, which brought together leaders and experts from the education and legal communities, the Chief Justice encouraged a broad, far-reaching campaign to improve civic learning and civic engagement in California.

###