School Award and Recognition Program
What is a School of Merit?

The Educating for Democracy School Award and Recognition Program is based on The Civic Mission of Schools report, published by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and CIRCLE, which recommended Six Promising Approaches to Civic Education. The awards and recognition program has two categories: Schools of Merit and Schools of Distinction

A Schools of Merit assess current practice, using materials provided by the California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, and create a plan for developing competent and responsible citizens. A school team, including teachers, administrators, students and community members, reviews current civic education practices based on the six promising approaches identified by the CMS report and develops a plan that focuses on specific outcomes. The plan builds upon existing strengths and explores and adopts new ideas.

Selection Criteria for Schools of Merit

To be recognized as a School of Merit:

A) Register for the California Civic Mission of Schools Awards and Recognition program.

B) Form a team from your school and community to review and discuss current civic education opportunities for students, and to build awareness about the importance of civic education among students, parents, teachers and community members.

C) Formally assess and briefly describe current practices, based on the six CMS promising approaches.

D) Develop a school plan to expand, deepen and evaluate civic education opportunities for all students based on the CMS Promising Approaches both in and out of the classroom.

The Awards and Recognition Toolkit provides suggestions and a host of resources to support your efforts through each step of the process.

E) Apply for the Schools of Merit awards.

Recognition will be based on thoroughness of the assessment, creativity of the plan and fidelity to the CMS recommendations. A number of special awards will be given for excellence in individual categories.

Recognition for Schools of Merit

Schools will be recognized in the publications of the campaign and on its web site, as well as by collaborating organizations. Schools of Merit will receive electronic and hard-copy decals to publicize the award and a certificate for display. Schools will also be listed on the roll call of participating schools presented each year during U.S. Constitution Week to California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction and released to the media. The Campaign will send letters of recognition to local school boards, local and county superintendents and offices of education.