Three students showcase portfolios as district highlights growth in civic-readiness seal

Three South Colonie students presented digital portfolios to the Board of Education on June 10 as the district reported growth in the number of seniors earning New York State's Seal of Civic Readiness.

The presentations were introduced by a staff member who said the New York State Education Department's seal recognizes student civic knowledge and participation. “To earn the seal of civic readiness, students must accumulate a minimum of 6 points on New York State's official rubric, which is divided between 2 key areas, civic knowledge and civic participation,” the staff member said.

The district said the program has expanded since it began locally: the first year about 85 students earned the seal, the next year about 130, and this year 173 students earned the recognition. A committee reviewed portfolios, selected five strong examples and asked three students to present their work to the board.

Student presenter Eva described coursework and internships that fed into her portfolio, including criminal justice and a 64-hour internship at a hospital where she volunteered in the emergency department and observed robotic-assisted surgery. She said she planned to continue volunteering through summer and college. Another presenter described AP social studies and journalism coursework and service learning through the National Honor Society and other local volunteer work.

Board members praised the students' civic engagement and urged participation by more students in coming years. One board member said the internships and public-speaking experience will serve students well with future employers and encouraged the district to aim for larger numbers of students earning the seal next year.

The presentations were part of the evening's awards and recognition portion of the meeting; there was no formal board vote tied to the presentations.