Report Title:
Civics
Description:
Requires department of education to teach and test students' learning about the United States Constitution, Federalist Papers, and the Declaration of Independence.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
396 |
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TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2001 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO CIVIC LITERACY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. (a) The legislature finds and declares that:
(1) The adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the signing of the United States Constitution were principal events in the history of the United States, the Declaration of Independence providing the philosophical foundation on which this nation rests and the Constitution of the United States providing its structure of government;
(2) The Federalist Papers embody the most eloquent and forceful argument made in support of the adoption of our republican form of government;
(3) These documents stand as the foundation of our form of democracy providing at the same time the basis of our national identity and the vehicle for orderly growth and change;
(4) Many Americans lack even the most basic knowledge and understanding of the history of our nation and the principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence, established in the Constitution and defended in the Federalist Papers; and
(5) The survival of the Republic requires that our nation’s children, the future guardians of its heritage and participants in its governance, have a firm knowledge and understanding of its principles and history.
(b) The purpose and intent of this Act are to:
(1) Require during the high school years the teaching of the nation’s founding and related documents, which shall include the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Federalist Papers; and
(2) Require that before receiving a certificate or diploma of graduation from high school students must have been tested on their knowledge of the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Federalist Papers.
SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- Civic literacy program; requirements. (a) The department shall:
(1) Include among the requirements for secondary school graduation a passing grade on a test of the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Federalist Papers;
(2) Include in any standard state testing of high school students questions on the contents of the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Federalist Papers; and
(3) Specifically provide for curriculum content and teacher training to ensure that the intent of this legislation is satisfied.
(b) The superintendent shall adopt rules for the administration of the civic literacy program.
§302A- Civic literacy program; reporting and accountability. The superintendent shall submit an annual report to the board, governor, and the legislature describing the specific rules issued pursuant to the civic literacy program and reporting the effectiveness of these rules as measured by the passage of these courses."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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