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Synopsis As Introduced Amends the School Code. Subject to funds being made available from the State Board of Education from appropriations for this purpose, requires every public high school to include in its curriculum a separate civics course of study with the goal of helping young people acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and responsible citizens throughout their lives. Sets forth the focuses of the course content.
Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Civics Education Assistance Fund as a special fund in the State treasury, with money in the Fund being used by the State Board of Education to provide funding for civics courses and professional development of civics content and skills. Provides that gifts, grants, and donations for those purposes from public and private sources shall be deposited into the Fund.
Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Provides that of the 2 years of social studies required of high school students, at least one semester must be civics, which shall help young people acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and responsible citizens throughout their lives. Provides that course content shall focus on government institutions, the discussion of current and controversial issues, service learning, and simulations of the democratic process. Allows school districts to utilize private funding available for the purposes of offering civics education.
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