History, Social Science and Civics

Contacts

Cameron Castaneda
Manager, Academic Content & Instructional Support
714-668-7867
ccastaneda @ocde.us

Twitter: @OCDEhistory
Instagram: @OCDEhistory
Facebook: @OCDEhistory

Minecraft Schools Reinventing Counties Event

The History/Social-Science/Civics team at the Orange County Department of Education provides curriculum resources, coaching, and professional learning to History and Social-Science/Studies educators throughout Orange County.

Subscribe to our History, Social Science newsletter

Upcoming Events

History–Social Science Events

Orange County Social Science Administrator Network (OCSSA)

When: Six dates —
2026: September 17, October 15, November 19
2027: January 21, March 18, April 22
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Orange County Department of Education
Cost: Free

Download flyer here – pdf

The OCSSA Network serves as a collaborative space for Orange County district leaders, principals, teacher leaders, and instructional coaches to explore innovative approaches to History–Social Science education and the framework. Participants will have the opportunity to learn updates from the state, share best practices, and receive research-based approaches to education.

Network meetings will feature topics including, but not limited to:
Personal Finance – planning and implementing the new AB2927 graduation requirement
Elementary and Secondary Literacy Blocks
Civic learning and the State Seal of Civic Engagement
Professional learning and resource sharing to support educators and improve student outcomes across Orange County
Instructional best practices

The Mendez Tribute Monument Park Field Trip

When: October 2026 through April 2027
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Mendez Tribute Monument Park
Cost: Free

Download flyer here – pdf

During field trips, students will experience the Mendez Historic Freedom Trail and Monument to learn about the 1946 Mendez, et al. v. Westminster School District of Orange County, et al. case. The experience includes interactive panels and activities for students with an electronic device, and the site is wifi enabled. Educators will be provided with lessons and activities to implement before and after trips. A law professional will be available to answer questions about the case.

ABOTA will reimburse up to $500 for one bus rental per trip.

The Acjachemen/Juaneño History and Cultural Tour for Educators

When: October 17, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: 30291 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Cost: Free

Download flyer here – pdf

During this tour, educators will explore the history and culture of Acjachemen families, commonly known as the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians. Acjachemen community leaders will present at the Village at Putuidem, the Montañez Adobe, Los Rios, and the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Tribal office. They will also help participants consider ways to center authentic stories of the Acjachemen in the K–12 classroom. Lunch is included as part of the tour.

2026 Teachers Law School

When: October 6, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Orange County Superior Court – C6, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Cost: Free

Download flyer here – pdf

ABOTA's Teachers Law School is designed for educators with an interest in law-related education. Sessions provide teachers with valuable content directly from legal professionals. Join us for in-depth content sessions as we visit the Orange County Superior Court and the Old Courthouse. This year's content will feature presentations on criminal law. Judges from the OC courts will share content, and OCDE will share teacher resources for students in grades 4, 5, 8, 11, and 12. Lunch will be provided.

OC Civic Learning Institute — K–5

When: October 28, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Orange County Department of Education
Cost: $75

Download flyer here – pdf

During the K–12 Civic Learning Project Training, school teams of educators and district leaders will deepen their understanding of the knowledge, skills, and dispositions students need to become civically engaged and democratically ready. Participants will:

Examine the critical distinction between community service and authentic civic learning projects aligned to the California History-Social Science Framework, and make cross-curricular connections.
Explore grade-band Civic Learning Outcomes and classroom-ready strategies for grades K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12.
Develop a Civic Action Project plan for their classroom or school community.
Learn about pathways that support students toward the State Seal of Civic Engagement, including structures for elementary, middle, and high school students.
By the conclusion of the training, school teams will leave with a concrete action plan to deepen and expand authentic civic learning experiences for their students. Participants who attend the full training and submit a completed Civic Action Project plan will receive a K–12 Civic Learning Certificate of Completion.

OC Civic Learning Institute — 6–12

When: January 27, 2027
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Orange County Department of Education
Cost: $75

Download flyer here – pdf

Same K–12 Civic Learning Project Training as the K–5 session above, offered as a separate date for 6–12 educators and district leaders.

Contact

If you would like to be added to our contact list for news and updates, please e-mail your request to rsilver@ocde.us.

Civic Learning

Civic Learning Awards

The Civic Learning Awards website applications will be available. The Civic Learning Awards celebrates public schools' efforts to engage students in civic learning. The award program also identifies models that can be replicated in other schools.

State Seal of Civic Engagement Webinar

When: September 23, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free

In this webinar, we will share updates from the California Department of Education, highlight effective models of practice, discuss strategies to increase participation, and information about how the Orange County Department of Education provides support to districts, teachers, and students.

Civic Pathways Kickoff

When: September 30, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free

E-Sports Competition Kickoff

When: October 5, 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free

Register here - website

Download flyer here - pdf

Teachers Law School

When: October 6, 2026
Time: 8:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Orange County Superior Court-C6   700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Cost:  Free

Register here  - website

Download flyer here   - pdf

OC Civic Learning Institute K-5

When: October 28, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Orange County Department of Education
200 Kalmus Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Conference Center Room D1004
Cost: $75

Download flyer here - pdf

OC Civic Learning Institute 6-12

When: January 27, 2027
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Orange County Department of Education
200 Kalmus Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Building B, Room B1011
Cost: $75

Download flyer here - pdf

Civic Educator Award Nomination

Application Form - here
Submit nominations by November 20, 2026

Download flyer - here

Recognize a colleague for outstanding work in civics education.

The Orange County Department of Education Civic Educator Award is an annual recognition, honoring educators across Orange County school districts who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to authentic, standards-aligned civic learning in their classrooms and communities.

Civic Learning Pathways

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The purpose of the Civic Learning Pathway program is to encourage elementary and middle educators to construct opportunities for students that lead to the development of civics skills and dispositions, as well as content aligned with the State Seal of Civic Engagement. Students can earn Civic Learning Pathways certificates from their county office of education for the attainment of goals in their grade- level band.

The Civic Learning Pathways document and slide deck explaining how it can be used are found here: Google Folder.

If you want to support the Civic Learning Pathways program in your district, please complete the Google Form [website] below by January 29, 2027.

To finalize student recipients of the Civic Pathway Awards, send an email to: Cameron Castaneda <ccastaneda@ocde.us> with your order forms by March 13, 2026.

What is the State Seal of Civic Engagement?

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State Seal for Civic Engagement Resources

Board Resolution Sample google document
Civic Seal Support from APT website
CDE State Seal for Civic Engagement slide deck/presentation
Guidance for Implementation website
State Seal of Civic Engagement website
CDE State Seal of Civic Engagement Webinar

Classroom Resources

Annenberg Classroom website
CA Youth Lead the Movement for Environmental Action website
Civic Online Reasoning website
Civics Renewal Network website
C‐Span Classroom website
Digital Civics Tool Kit website
Dirksen Congressional Center website
Erwin Chemerinsky on Constitution Day video
FactCheck.org website
Joint Florida Center for Citizenship website
iCivics website
Library of Congress website
National Archives and Records Administration website
National Conference of State Legislators website
National Priorities Project website
New York Times Learning Network website
PBS News Hour Extra website
PBS Learning Media website
Rock the Vote website
Street Law website
The National Endowment for the Humanities, EDSITEMENT! website
TeachingAmericanHistory.org website
Teaching Civics website
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services – Citizenship Resources Center website
United States Courts website
U.S. Government Printing Office website
Youth Leadership Initiative website

Constitution

Constitute Project website
National Constitution Center website
- Constitutional Rights Interactive website
- Drafting Table website
- Interactive Constitution website
- Media Library website
- Online Learning Opportunities website
The Bill of Rights Institute website

Lessons and Curriculum

Educating for Democracy Educator Resources website
C3 Teachers website
Mikva Challenge website

Programs

Center for Civic Education websiteClassrooms to Congress website
Connecting Classrooms to Congress website

Research

Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools website
Civic Engagement Research Group website
National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) website
Tufts University Center for Information on Civic Learning and Engagement (Circle) website

Voter Education

Future Voters Project website
High School Initiatives CA Secretary of State website

Ethnic Studies

AB 101-ETHNIC STUDIES GRADUATION REQUIREMENT ACTION STEPS

Beginning with the graduating class of 2030, California students are required to take a one-semester Ethnic Studies course as a graduation requirement . Ethnic studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that encompasses many subject areas including history, literature, and social sciences.

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

2024-25

2025-26

2026-29

2029 & Ongoing

Mendez Historic Freedom Trail and Monument

Teachers Law School

The text %22American Board of Trial Advocates%22 is on the left, and a coat of arms with two lions, a shield, and a sword is on the right.

Teachers Law School is presented by the Orange County Chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in partnership with the Orange County Department of Education.

ABOTA Foundation, Webpage

2026 - Civics in Action: Law, Education, and Community Impact

2025 - Criminal Law in the Courts

Featured Speakers:

Creation and Incorporation, Presented by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, Hosts and Senior Editors, Civics 101: Podcast

Informants and Due Process in Criminal Cases: Dekraai, Presented by Justice Thomas Goethals, Ret.

CRF_OC Programs, Presented by Michelle Antenesse, Assistant Program Manager, CRF-OC

The 7th Amendment and The Rule of Law, Presented by Juan Delgado, Esq., President, OC Chapter of ABOTA

2024 - Juvenile Justice: Alternate Courts and Support

Featured Speakers:

Improving Outcomes for Vulnerable Juvenile Court Populations, Presented by Judge Lindsey Martinez

CARE Court - A Path to Recovery, Presented by Judge Ebrahim Baytieh

Peer Court, Presented by Alan Crivaro, Esq., and Michelle Antenesse, Assistant Program Manager, CRF-OC

Project Youth OC, Presented by Laura Marcum, Executive Director Project Youth OC

Educator Resources Google Folder

2023 - Untold Stories of Japanese Internment: Navigating Legal and Community Challenges

A smiling Asian woman with dark, wavy hair and a white lace cardigan is in the foreground, with a blurred beige building in the background.

Featured Speakers:

Judge Linda Marks, retired Superior Court of Orange County

Yoshi Kubota, President of ABOTA Foundation’s OC Chapter

Mexican American Stories During Japanese Internment, Presentation by Judge Frederick Aguirre, retired Superior Court of Orange County

Panel: Untold Stories of the Japanese American Internment: An Interview with Justice Motoike Moderator: Dr. Jeff Hittenberger Interview: Justice Joanne Motoike, Associate Justice, 4th District Court of Appeal

Untold Stories of Japanese American Internment: The Kindness of Color, Janice Munemitsu, Author of The Kindness of Color

Deb Tropp, executive board member of ABOTA Foundation’s OC Chapter

Text Set with Resources Google Folder

Presentation by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vibhav Mittal
Presentation United States Probation Officer Greg Vidana
Hon. Josephine L Staton, Judge, US District Court
Hon. David O. Carter, Judge, US District Court
Magistrate Courtrooms - Presentation by Hon. John D. Early, U.S. Magistrate Judge
Hon. Kirk Nakamura, Presiding Judge, OC Superior Court
Hon. Joanne Motoike, Presiding Judge, OC Juvenile Court
Michael Maguire, Esq. National President of ABOTA

Agenda Google Document

Planning Template Google Document

2018 - Civics Content for the Classroom

A smiling couple, a woman in a floral dress and a man in a suit, pose against a plain background.

Mr. and Mrs. Mendez

Mendez, et al v. Westminister [sic] School District of Orange County, et al, 1946
Featured Speakers:

Judge Charles Margines, Presiding Judge, Orange County Superior Court
Judge Maria D. Hernandez, Former Presiding Judge, Orange County Superior Court, Juvenile Division
Justice William W. Bedsworth, 4th District Court of Appeal
Justice Kathleen E. O’Leary, Presiding Justice, Fourth District, Third Division, California Court of Appeal
Justice Raymond J. Ikola, Justice of the Fourth District, Third Division of the California Court of
Appeal Justice Richard D. Fybel, Justice of the Fourth District, Third Division of the California Court of Appeal
Michael P. Maguire, Vice President of the American Board of Trial Advocates
Special Guest, Gonzalo Mendez, Jr.

Agenda Google Document
Mendez Lesson Google Document

2017 - Civics Content for the Classroom

A man in a suit speaks at a wooden table with a blue banner in the background.

Erwin Chemerinsky

Featured Speakers:

Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of University of California Berkeley School of Law
Judge Charles Margines, Presiding Judge, Orange County Superior Court
Judge Maria D. Hernandez, Presiding Judge, Orange County Superior Court, Juvenile Division
Justice Kathleen E. O’Leary, Presiding Justice, Fourth District, Third Division, California Court of Appeal
Justice Raymond J. Ikola, Justice of the Fourth District, Third Division of the California Court of Appeal
Justice Richard D. Fybel, Justice of the Fourth District, Third Division of the California Court of Appeal
Michael P. Maguire, Vice President of the American Board of Trial Advocates

Agenda Google Document