A notable trend is emerging across the U.S. as state legislatures increased their focus on strengthening civic education this Spring legislative session. Since 2021, 26 states have adopted 42 policies aligned with the CivxNow State Policy Menu, our framework for strengthening civic learning. The momentum continues this year, with 45 states considering 198 bills related to K–12 civic education. Of these, 145 (73%) are aligned with the policy menu, signaling a bipartisan consensus that civic education is a priority in states.
Recent Legislative Successes in Civic Education
Several states recently enacted significant legislation to reinforce the importance of civics:
- Utah: Governor Cox signed H.B. 381 into law, which he described as one of the most important bills of the session. The legislation amends high school graduation requirements to include a year-long course on American constitutional government and citizenship.
- Missouri: Demonstrating a consistent commitment, the Missouri legislature renewed its $500,000 appropriation for professional development in civics and patriotism for the third consecutive year.
- Louisiana: An initiative championed by State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley will create a special “Freedom Seal” for graduating students’ diplomas. The seal is designed to incentivize and recognize achievement in learning U.S. history and understanding the political process.
- Alabama: A new appropriation of $1,500,000 will develop an online course in U.S. history, government, and/or civics. This resource will be available to all pre-K–12 teachers to support instruction aligned with the Alabama Course of Study.
Pending Legislation and Budgetary Considerations
As of the writing of this newsletter, important work continues through the legislative and budgetary process in Massachusetts, Michigan, and Ohio.
Upcoming Policy and Educational Events
Our focus now turns to building momentum and support for the next session with several key fall events in Colorado and Ohio. Additionally, the Missouri Civic Learning Coalition and the Missouri Historical Society will host a civic education event focused on pluralism on September 30 at the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis. In Kansas, CivxNow will co-sponsor a youth-centered civic summit at Washburn University on November 4 and 5, led by the Kansas Volunteer Commission and friends at the Dole Institute.
