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An Act Directing the Department of Education To Formulate and Implement a Citizenship Educational Component for the School Curriculum
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §4706, as amended by PL 2009, c. 313, §§8 and 9, is further amended to read:
§ 4706.Instruction in American history, Maine studies and Maine Native American studies
Instruction in American history, government, citizenship and Maine studies must be aligned with the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements established under section 6209.
 
1. American history.   American history, government and citizenship, including the Constitution of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, the history, organization and operation of the Federal Government, the importance of voting and the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship, must be taught in and required for graduation from all elementary and secondary schools, both public and private.
 
2. Maine studies.   Maine history, government and citizenship, including the Constitution of Maine, the history, organization and operation of State Government, different models of local government, Maine geography and environment and the natural, industrial and economic resources of Maine and Maine's cultural and ethnic heritage, must be taught. A required component of Maine studies is Maine Native American studies, which must be included in the review of content standards and performance indicators of the learning results conducted in accordance with section 6209, subsection 4. The Maine Native American studies must address the following topics:
 
A. Maine tribal governments and political systems and their relationship with local, state, national and international governments;
 
B. Maine Native American cultural systems and the experience of Maine tribal people throughout history;
 
C. Maine Native American territories; and
 
D. Maine Native American economic systems.
 
SUMMARY
This bill amends the law requiring instruction in history, government and citizenship in elementary and secondary schools. This bill specifies instruction be provided concerning different models of local government and the history, organization and operation of the Federal Government and of Maine government.