HB4978 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB099 18544 NHT 42923 b

99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2015 and 2016
HB4978

Introduced , by Rep. Camille Y. Lilly

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

105 ILCS 5/27-4.5 new

Amends the School Code. Requires every public elementary school that maintains grade 7 or 8 to include in its curriculum a separate one-semester civics course of study with the goal of helping young people acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and responsible citizens throughout their lives. Sets forth the focuses of the course content. Provides that this course of study shall be taken in both the 7th and 8th grade, completion of which shall be a prerequisite to receiving an elementary school diploma. Permits the State Board of Education to prepare and make available to school boards instructional materials that may be used as guidelines for the development of the course of study.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

STATE MANDATES ACT MAY REQUIRE REIMBURSEMENT

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The School Code is amended by adding Section 27-4.5 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/27-4.5 new)

Sec. 27-4.5. Civics course of study. In addition to the instruction required to be provided under Section 27-3 of this Code, every public elementary school that maintains grade 7 or 8 shall include in its curriculum, beginning with pupils entering the 7th grade in the 2017-2018 school year, a separate one-semester civics course of study with the goal of helping young people acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and responsible citizens throughout their lives. Course content shall focus on government institutions, the discussion of current and controversial issues, service learning, and simulations of the democratic process. This course of study shall be taken in both the 7th and 8th grade, completion of which shall be a prerequisite to receiving an elementary school diploma.

The State Board of Education may prepare and make available to school boards instructional materials that may be used as guidelines for the development of a civics course of study consistent with this Section.