Last Updated on March 3, 2021 by Indiana House Republicans
SOURCE: News release from Indiana House Republicans
STATEHOUSE – A bill that would incorporate civics education into Hoosier students’ middle school curriculum recently passed out of the Indiana House of Representatives, according to State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).
Karickhoff said this proposal would require students to take at least one semester of a civics course in grades 6, 7 or 8.
“Our goal with this legislation is to help students understand how critical it is for citizens to actively participate in every level of their government,” Karickhoff said. “Having an informed electorate is vital to ensuring our community, state and nation continue moving forward.”
House Bill 1384 would task the Indiana Department of Education and State Board of Education to develop standards for civics education.
According to VanNatter, the legislation comes out of the Civic Education Task Force, which was responsible for specific, actionable recommendations based on research and ideas from around the country and state.
“This is just one of the many recommendations from this group to better educate our young Hoosiers about being civically engaged in their communities,” VanNatter said. “Students typically take a government class during their senior year, but it is never too early for them to learn more about participating in the democratic process.”
House Bill 1384 now heads to the Senate for further consideration. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38,which includes portions of Carroll, Cass, Howard and Clinton counties.