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Seal of Civic Readiness

The Shoreham-Wading River School District participates in the New York State Education Department’s Seal of Civic Readiness Initiative. The Seal of Civic Readiness is a special distinction on a high school transcript and diploma. It recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in civic knowledge, civic mindset, civic skills, and civic experiences.

The goals of the Seal of Civic Readiness include:

  • Exemplifying a commitment to participatory government, civic responsibility, and civic values.
  • Recognizing the value of civic engagement and scholarship.
  • Demonstrating to universities, colleges, and future employers that the student has completed an action project in civics or social justice.

In order to obtain the Seal of Civic Readiness, a student must complete all requirements for a New York State local or Regents diploma and earn a total of six points with at least two points in Civic Knowledge and at least two points in Civic Participation.  SWRHS students who wish to be considered for the Seal of Civic Readiness must meet these initial requirements:

  1. Obtain course credit in Global History I, Global History II, and US History & Government (or Course credit in AP World, and AP US History & Government)
  2. Obtain mastery or proficiency level (passing score) on one or more of the following Regent Exams: Global History Regents Exam, United States History Regents Exam.


In addition to these initial requirements, students who wish to earn the Seal of Civic Readiness must plan to enroll in the SWRHS “Community Relations” elective course at least one time in their high school schedule.  Students who successfully complete the Community Relations course and its Civic Knowledge Research Project will earn two points toward the criteria for “Demonstrating Civic Participation” as part of the required points to earn the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness upon graduation.  This course can be taken multiple times throughout grades 9-12.  

For more information about the Seal of Civic Readiness points and requirements, please visit the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Program link on the page or contact Nicole Waldbauer, Director of Humanities, at nwaldbauer@swr.k12.ny.us  or your child’s Guidance Counselor with questions.