BILL NUMBER: S4474

SPONSOR: JACKSON
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring civic educa-
tion courses for grades five through twelve

 
PURPOSE:

This bill would establish and implement a comprehensive civic education
curriculum in all public and charter schools, grades 5 through 12.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 adds a new Section 817 to the Education Law that requires the
commissioner of education to create and establish a comprehensive civics
education curriculum, for grades 5 through 12. The curriculum shall
include but not be limited to instruction on the New York State Consti-
tution, federal, state and local government, civic literacy, methods of
participation, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. The
              

curriculum will also have a simulation based approach including but not
limited to, mock trials, moot court, opportunities to debate issues
relative to power, economic status and the common good in democracy,
advocacy and community organizing, and other role playing exercises that
engage students in the democratic process. The commissioner of education
shall promulgate rules and regulations outlining the training of teach-
ers and provide materials for instruction. The Board of Education or
trustees of every school district shall provide the appropriate training
and curriculum materials to teachers, as outlined by the commissioner of
education.

Section 2 is the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Previous generations were taught civics as a stand-alone class, but
since the late 1960's "Civics," "Democracy and Government," and "Ameri-
can history" have been combined into one class, leaving little room for
teaching students the nuances of government. Consequently, young adults
do not feel connected to their government nor do they fully grasp the
responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society.

According to the Census Bureau, only 55.7% of the U.S voting-age popu-
lation cast ballots in the 2016 presidential election, and the State of
New York had the 8th worst voter turnout among the states.  In addition,
a report conducted by the New York City's Board of Elections details an
alarmingly low voter turnout in the 2016 state and local primary
elections. Only 10% of the 2,312,481 eligible voters cast a ballot.
Combined with the recent electoral reforms, implementing a comprehensive
civic education curriculum in our public and charter schools would go
far in reversing this trend.

The curriculum shall focus on state and local government, civic litera-
cy, current political and community issues, methods of public partic-
ipation, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.  The
curriculum will also use a simulation-based approach, which requires
students to participate in activities, and role-playing exercises where
the fundamentals of democracy are realized first hand. This approach has
been pioneered in other states and we should look to programs that have
been effective as our guide.

For example, in 2015 the State of Colorado implemented the Judicially
Speaking Program. Crafted by three local judges, the program uses inter-
active exercises and firsthand experience to teach students about the
role of the judiciary in the American legal system.  Furthermore, in
2018 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts passed legislation to promote and
enhance civic engagement through simulation-based education. Among other
stipulations, 8th grade students are given the opportunity to partic-
ipate in civic education projects.

A stand-alone comprehensive civics education curriculum with a simula-
tion-based approach can serve as the gateway for energizing life-long
civic engagement and provide students with the tools they need to
reclaim the civic arena.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2019-2020: S.3950-A - Referred to Education/A.7201 - Referred to Educa-
tion

 
STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect two years after it shall have become a law,
provided, however, that effective immediately the commissioner of educa-
tion is authorized to adopt any rules or regulations necessary to imple-
ment the provisions of this act on such effective date.