Civic Education Initiative
Information on the latest in Civic Education initiatives and programs sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.
Revitalizing K–12 Civic Learning in California: A Blueprint for Action (PDF; 2MB; New 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, 214 in Sacramento.
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, 214 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.
California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning 
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson have joined together to establish the California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning. The task force will bring definition to the skills, knowledge, and dispositions that our students need to be informed and involved citizens and community members, and make recommendations for how we can achieve these outcomes for all students in California.
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson have joined together to establish the California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning. The task force will bring definition to the skills, knowledge, and dispositions that our students need to be informed and involved citizens and community members, and make recommendations for how we can achieve these outcomes for all students in California.
The task force will 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.
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).
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).
Civics Learning Press Release
July 30, 2013: Work Begins on Civics Education Initiative. Joint Committee set up by Chief Justice and State Superintendent
of Public Instruction seeks changes to civics education.
July 30, 2013: Work Begins on Civics Education Initiative. Joint Committee set up by Chief Justice and State Superintendent
of Public Instruction seeks changes to civics education.
California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning Roster
This roster contains co-chairs, members, advisory members, and staff for the California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning.
This roster contains co-chairs, members, advisory members, and staff for the California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning.
Civic Learning Award For California Public High Schools
Co-sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakuaye. We recognize and value the important role of public schools in preparing students for participation in our democracy, and have begun a partnership to support civic education in California. It is therefore with great pleasure that we invite you to apply for the new Civic Learning Award for public high schools. 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.
Co-sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakuaye. We recognize and value the important role of public schools in preparing students for participation in our democracy, and have begun a partnership to support civic education in California. It is therefore with great pleasure that we invite you to apply for the new Civic Learning Award for public high schools. 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.
Civic Learning California Summit: Making Democracy Work
February 28, 2013: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakuaye, and a committee of civic leaders organized 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 of the event is also available.
February 28, 2013: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakuaye, and a committee of civic leaders organized 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
of the event is also available.