Chesco Legislators Lobby For 'Civics Education' Bill To Improve HS History Education

Chester County legislators are behind a push to improve basic civics and history education in Pennsylvania high schools. Senate Bill 723 would call for students to take a test identical to the civics portion of the naturalization test given to immigrants.

The bill, sponsored by State Sens. Andy Dinniman and John Rafferty, has recently passed through the Senate Education Committee, and will now be addressed by the full state senate.

“It appears to me that complaints about our government are at an all-time high, and yet understanding of our government is at an all-time low.” Rafferty said in a statement. “This year marks the 230th anniversary of the Constitution, and we can think of no better time to ensure that students have at least a basic knowledge and understanding of civics and government in order to prepare and encourage them to be responsibly engaged citizens.”

The test will be a part of every high school's civics curriculum and will cover basic fundamentals, of history, American government, and the underlying principles behind the nation.

It the bill is passed, the test would take effect starting in the 2019-2020 school year.

Image via State Sen. Andy Dinniman's Office