BILL NUMBER: S3950A

SPONSOR: MONTGOMERY
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the education law, in relation to
requiring civic education 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 five through
twelve.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 of the bill amends the education law by adding a new section
817, requiring the commissioner of education create and establish a
comprehensive civics education curriculum, for grades five through
twelve. The curriculum shall include but not be limited to instruction
on the New York State Constitution, federal, state and local government,
civic literacy, methods of participation, and the rights and responsi-
bilities 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 teachers and provide materials for instruc-
tion. 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.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Previous generations were taught civics as a stand-alone class, but
since the late 1960's "Civics", "Democracy and Government" and "American
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 eighth-worst voter turnout among the states.  In addi-
tion, 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 curric-
ulum 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 state of Massachusetts passed legislation to promote and
enhance civic engagement through simulation-based education.  Among
other stipulations, eighth grade students are given the opportunity to
participate 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.

 
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.