Trending
GOWANDA -- The Gowanda Central School District is offering students a new way to be recognized for their civic engagement.
Gowanda High School is now offering students an opportunity to receive the state Seal of Civic Readiness, what High School Principal Rebekah Moraites called a "graduation pathway" as a formal recognition on a student's diploma. Moraites presented information about the program to the Board of Education at a recent meeting.
The Seal of Civic Readiness is similar to the Seal of Biliteracy, which is also offered by the district. To graduate, the district requires students to fulfill all necessary academic credit requirements, as well as a "4 + 1 pathway" which includes four assessments – typically including regents exams of English, math, science, and social studies -- plus a fifth requirement. The Seal of Civic Readiness is now offered as an option for the "+ 1" portion of the district's graduation requirements, as students will earn credit in the application of civic engagement in two categories: Civic Knowledge and Civic Participation.
Students can begin to work toward the Seal of Civic Readiness in eighth grade, but can enter the program at any time. The program is being offered to current seniors on track to graduate at the end of this school year.
"It's great for scholarships and future jobs," Moraites said.
After a pilot program was held by the state last year, the state began accepting applications from school districts seeking approval to offer the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness. Moraites applied on behalf of Gowanda this past fall and recently received approval of the plan. The district then put together a committee and plan to implement among its student body.
As a district goal for the program, Moraites said, "Really, in the big picture, it's to prepare students with some of those 21st century advocacy skills."
Moraites plans to share more information with students and parents in the coming weeks "because it's really a brand new thing," she said.
Questions can be emailed to SealofCivicReadiness@gcslearn.org.