SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 67

(By Senators Boley, Plymale and Stollings)

[Introduced March 10, 2016]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the effectiveness of civics education in West Virginia’s schools, including a review of recorded state or national assessments measuring academic proficiency and related data evaluating the preparation of West Virginia public school, private school and home schooled students to be engaged citizens with sufficient academic background by which to appreciate the significance of the American democratic form of government; study provisions for the instruction of teaching civics education in West Virginia public and private schools; and, to study the availability of contemporary initiatives to enhance the teaching of civics education thereby elevating the competency of West Virginians to fulfill the role of enlightened responsible citizenship.

Whereas, In 2014 a test of 29,000 eighth grade students in America conducted by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) found that a mere 24% were proficient in civics; and

Whereas, A 2014 University of Pennsylvania survey of 1,600 adults found that only 36% of respondents could name all three branches of the United States government; and

Whereas, The lack of an educational foundation regarding the fundamentals of the democracy established by our country’s founders and defended by generations of American soldiers increases the potential for incivility, irresponsibility, and lack of appreciation for sustainability of the American Democracy; and

Whereas, Other states are taking measures to elevate the quality of teaching and learning of civics education designed to provide an enlightened citizenry through increased knowledge of our nation’s form and execution of government along with its historical significance as a protector of civility and freedom; and

Whereas, Various government and nonprofit organizations have recognized programs established for the improvement of civics education, including the U.S. Department of Education, referencing “Advancing Civic Learning and Engagement in Democracy: A Road Map and Call to Action,” the Civics Education Initiative being advanced by the Joe Foss Institute, and various projects of the Center for Civics Education, among others; and

Whereas, We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history in terms of understanding the significance of our form of government and how it relates to our quality of life in America, and the time for establishing greater understanding and appreciation for the richness and value of our government is overdue; and

Whereas, Affording West Virginia students a proper and thorough civics education utilizing contemporary teaching and learning methods is vital to ensuring the success of our great nation; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the effectiveness of civics education in West Virginia’s schools through the adaptation of contemporary programs of civics education and learning, including the utilization of the United States Citizenship Test as one means to ensure that we are successfully preparing our youth to be engaged citizens who take pride in their country and the freedoms that it represents; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2017, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the West Virginia Department of Education and the State Board of Education shall cooperate with the Legislature and provide information, access to personnel and access to all records necessary to effectuate the provisions of this study; and, be it

           Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study and to prepare and draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.