To earn the Civics Diploma Seal, students will need to complete tasks in each of the five virtues: Justice, Civility, Self-Discipline, Service, and Citizenship
WOODLAND – On Sept., Woodland High School Social Studies teachers Shari Conditt, Julia Stepper, and Kyla Keefer presented a proposal to the Woodland School Board for the creation of a new Civics Diploma Seal. Colleague Katie Klaus, who was also involved in the development of the seal, was unable to attend but acknowledged. This initiative, the first of its kind in the state, would recognize students who have demonstrated exemplary performance in civic education.
This initiative aligns with a growing national movement to highlight and reward civic engagement in high schools. Currently, only seven other states in the U.S. have created a similar Civics Diploma Seal. A diploma seal serves as a distinguished honor, signifying a student’s commitment to and achievement in a specific area of study beyond standard graduation requirements. Woodland High School currently awards a Diploma Seal of Biliteracy to students who meet the required standards.
While presenting to the board, Woodland High School teacher Shari Conditt said, “I am feeling a little overwhelmed because this seal represents our team, and our belief in our community and our school, and I am really proud to be here with my colleagues to talk with you today.”
The proposal leverages Washington’s existing framework for civic engagement assessments, which are developed by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). These state assessments include a variety of projects and rubrics designed by teachers to ensure students acquire essential civic knowledge. They are administered at key points in a student’s academic career, specifically in grades four or five, seven or eight, and eleven or twelve. Schools report this data to the state, and the assessments are often used as culminating unit assignments to gauge a student’s understanding of civics.
The timing of adopting the Civics Diploma Seal will coincide with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution. Conditt said, “The goal of this practice is to encourage our students to engage in active citizenship. We want our students to lean into our community, where they attend board meetings and city council meetings. We chose things that would best exemplify the needs of the community, and we want to make sure the students can meet the standard with effort.” The proposed Civics Diploma Seal would provide a new way to celebrate students who excel in these areas, encouraging a deeper commitment to civic learning and preparing them for active and informed participation in their communities.
To earn the Civics Diploma Seal, students will need to complete tasks in each of the five virtues: Justice, Civility, Self-Discipline, Service, and Citizenship. Woodland Social Studies teachers Kyla Keefer and Julia Stepper gave examples of opportunities for students to get involved inside and outside of the classroom in each virtue. The seal itself will be designed to reflect the requirements students must meet to have it placed on their diplomas and transcripts.
School Board student representative Wedly Stuart expressed his support, saying, “I am excited about this, especially with voting. We want to have educated people who know how to vote, and who feel comfortable with seeing government, so when they become adults, it isn’t completely new to them.”
After the presentation, the Woodland School Board gave its full support for the Civics Diploma Seal. The timing of the approval allows the staff to roll out this wonderful opportunity to students on September 17, 2025, which is National Constitution Day.
Information provided by the Woodland School District.
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