An Act Regarding Instruction in Civics in Secondary Schools

Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §4721, sub-§1,  as enacted by PL 2009, c. 313, §13, is amended to read:

Sec. 2. 20-A MRSA §6209, first ¶,  as amended by PL 2015, c. 489, §3, is further amended to read:

The department in consultation with the state board shall establish and implement a comprehensive, statewide system of learning results, which may include a core of standards in English language arts and mathematics for kindergarten to grade 12 established in common with the other states, as set forth in this section and in department rules implementing this section and other curricular requirements. The department must establish accountability standards at all grade levels in the areas of mathematics; reading; and science and technology. The department shall establish parameters for essential instruction in English language arts; mathematics; science and technology; social studies; career and education development; visual and performing arts; health, physical education and wellness; and world languages ; and, for secondary schools subject to the provisions of this section, civics. Only a public school, a public charter school as defined in section 2401, subsection 9 or a private school approved for tuition purposes that enrolls at least 60% publicly funded students, as determined by the previous school year's October and April average enrollment, is required to participate in the system of learning results set forth in this section and in department rules implementing this section and other curricular requirements. The commissioner shall develop accommodation provisions for instances where course content conflicts with sincerely held religious beliefs and practices of a student's parent or guardian. The system must be adapted to accommodate children with disabilities as defined in section 7001, subsection 1-B.

Sec. 3. 20-A MRSA §6209, sub-§2, ¶¶G and H,  as enacted by PL 1995, c. 649, §1, are amended to read:

Sec. 4. 20-A MRSA §6209, sub-§2, ¶I  is enacted to read:

SUMMARY

This bill clarifies that instruction in civics is part of the comprehensive program of instruction in secondary schools and also adds civics to the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements in the system of learning results.