2015 Civic Learning Award Winners Announced

March 2, 2015

2015 Civic Learning Award Winners Announced

Nine California public elementary and middle schools recognized

SACRAMENTO—Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today announced 9 winners of the Civic Learning Award for 2014–2015. The awards, now in their third year, were created to celebrate public schools’ efforts to engage students in civic learning.

In their first two years, the awards were presented to 27 high schools. This year’s awards spotlight public elementary and middle schools in accordance with recommendations from the California Task Force on K-12 Learning that civic learning begin in kindergarten.

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye said, “What I see in our public schools, the level of dedication our teachers and students have to their communities, is inspirational. I’m really looking forward to meeting the younger recipients we recognize with this year’s award.”

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said, “It’s exciting to see these outstanding teachers preparing students to be informed and engaged citizens by having them participate in mock elections, mock trials and other relevant and rigorous civic learning opportunities.”

The winners were selected by an expert panel, based on the depth and breadth of their civic learning courses or programs. The awards are presented at three levels. The schools receiving Awards of Excellence, the highest level, will receive a visit from the Chief Justice. They are:

Evergreen Elementary School, Diamond Bar
El Camino Creek Elementary School, Encinitas
Mayfair Middle School, Lakewood

Three schools received Awards of Distinction, and three schools received Awards of Merit (see full list). 

The Civic Learning Awards program is part of the Chief Justice’s civic learning initiative and partnership with the Superintendent of Instruction, launched in 2013 at the Civic Learning Summit.