New Law Requires Civics Proficiency In Rhode Island High Schools

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island high schoolers will be required to learn civics under new legislation just signed into law by Gov. Dan McKee. Stating with the graduation class of 2023, students will be required to have an understanding of the principles of democracy, how government works and the rights and duties of engaged citizens.

Sen. Hanna Gallo, one of the bill's sponsors and the chair of the Senate education committee, said that "solid civics education in public schools is absolutely critical to having an informed public."

"Students are the next generation of voters," Gallo said. "They need and deserve to graduate with a healthy knowledge of how they can create the changes they want to see in their community, their state and their country."

The law requires that students show a proficiency in civics, but does not necessarily require a separate civics course or exam. School districts will have the freedom to individually determine their own metrics.

The law also requires that students take part in at least one student-led civics project in either middle or high school. This culd be a class-wide initiative, individual or in smaller groups.

"A thorough grounding in civics should be a cornerstone of every education consisting of two parts," said Rep. Brian Newberry, the bill's House sponsor. "First it should contain a deep understanding of the foundation of our nation’s government systems and structures, with neither their imperfections whitewashed nor their subtlety, genius and keen reflections of the limitations and foibles of human nature downplayed or diminished. Second, it should contain practical instruction in how government at all levels works, the interplay between those levels, the limitations on power and constructive ways in which to effect change in public policy."