Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1291735
G E T L E S S O N P L A N S together now in time for Indigenous Peoples' Day (Oct. 12) and American Indian Heritage Month (November). Visit the California Indian History Curriculum Coalition at Sacramento State University (search for it at csus.edu) for California Indian-vetted curricula for various grade levels. They 're organized by tribal identity, including Chumash, Kumeyaay, Luiseño, Miwok, Ohlone and Winnemem Wintu. Curricula resources help infuse "a California Indian voice" into the content of what children learn in school. High school students can delve into the award-winning 2018 novel There There by Chey- enne and Arapaho writer Tommy Orange, born and raised in Oakland. The story follows 12 characters who travel to the Big Oak- land Powwow, and explores the themes of Native peo- ples living in urban spaces and issues of ambivalence and complexity related to their struggles with identity and authenticity. Art from the East Bay Regional Park District's lesson plan found at CSU Sacramento's California Indian History Curriculum Coalition. California's Indigenous Peoples Seal of Civic Engagement New state award encourages citizenship C A L I F O R N I A S T U D E N T S can now earn a state Seal of Civic Engagement. The award, announced by the State Board of Education on Sept. 10, is aimed at encouraging active and ongoing citizenship. " The future of our democracy depends on a knowledgeable and actively engaged citizenry," says State Board President Linda Darling- Hammond. "With this new seal, we hope to prepare all students with an empathetic concern for others, a deep understanding of democracy, and the civic engagement skills needed to contribute to the welfare of their local communities, the state, and the country." To earn the seal, students must demonstrate excellence in civic learning, participation in civics-related projects, contributions to their community, and an understanding of the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, and the American democratic system. State history and social science teachers worked in partnership with the California Department of Education (CDE) to develop the initial requirements. The CDE ensured that the criteria for the award are accessible to all students, support rigorous and continuous civic engagement, promote diversity and inclusion, engage young students, reflect an interdisciplinary approach, and recognize civil disobedience as a form of civic engagement. To learn more, visit cde.ca.gov and search for "Seal of Civic Engagement." Markus Spiske/Unsplash O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 11