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Bill

A 1857

Requires the public school curriculum for children in kindergarten through grade twelve to include a minimum of two hours per week instruction in civics lessons

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Donna Lupardo and 2 co-sponsors

Bill A 1857 mandates two hours of weekly civics instruction for K-12 students, enhancing their understanding of government and civic responsibilities to foster active citizenship.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 1857

Summary of Bill A 1857

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 1857
  • Title: Requires the public school curriculum for children in kindergarten through grade twelve to include a minimum of two hours per week instruction in civics lessons
  • Status: Referred to Education
  • Introduced: January 14, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill A 1857 is to enhance civic education in public schools across the state. By mandating a minimum of two hours per week of civics instruction for students from kindergarten through grade twelve, the bill aims to foster a better understanding of governmental processes, civic responsibilities, and the importance of active participation in democracy among young learners.

Key Provisions

  • Curriculum Requirement: The bill stipulates that all public schools must incorporate at least two hours of civics lessons into their weekly curriculum for all grades from kindergarten through twelfth grade.
  • Content Focus: While the bill does not specify the exact content of the civics lessons, it is expected to cover topics such as:
    • The structure and function of government
    • The rights and responsibilities of citizens
    • The electoral process and voting
    • The importance of civic engagement and community involvement

Affected Parties

  • Students: All public school students in kindergarten through grade twelve will be directly impacted by the implementation of this bill, gaining essential knowledge about civics.
  • Educators: Teachers will need to adapt their lesson plans to include the required civics instruction, which may involve professional development or additional resources.
  • School Administrators: Schools will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the new curriculum requirements, which may affect scheduling and resource allocation.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 14, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Education Committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is part of a broader legislative effort to enhance civic education, with several related bills from prior sessions indicating ongoing interest in this area. Notably, it has a companion bill, S 6924, which may provide additional legislative support or alternative approaches to the same goal.

Conclusion

Bill A 1857 represents a significant step towards strengthening civic education in public schools. By ensuring that students receive dedicated instruction in civics, the bill aims to prepare them to be informed and engaged citizens, thereby contributing to a more active and knowledgeable electorate in the future. The bill's progression through the legislative process will be closely watched by educators, parents, and civic organizations alike.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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