Bill
Bill > S0638
RI S0638
Develops standards of civics education in grades K-12 teaching history in the state of Rhode Island, representative government, the rights and duties of actively engaged citizenship, principals of democracy, and media literacy.
summary
Introduced
03/07/2025
03/07/2025
In Committee
03/07/2025
03/07/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This act would develop and adopt a set of grade level standards in civics education for kindergarten through grade twelve (grades K-12) that teaches the history of the State of Rhode Island, representative government, the rights and duties of actively engaged citizenship, principals of democracy, and media literacy. This act would take effect upon passage.
AI Summary
This bill amends Rhode Island's existing education law to enhance civics education standards for kindergarten through 12th grade. Specifically, the bill updates the state's requirements by mandating the development of comprehensive civics education standards that now explicitly include media literacy alongside existing topics like state history, representative government, and citizenship rights and duties. The legislation requires public schools to implement these standards, with middle and high school students needing to demonstrate civics proficiency that can count toward history and social studies credits. Additionally, the bill mandates that each school district provide at least one student-led civics project designed to develop students' critical thinking skills and understanding of policy connections at federal, state, and local levels. The changes are to be implemented beginning in the 2022-2023 academic year, with the goal of creating more engaged and informed young citizens who understand democratic principles and can analyze complex civic issues effectively.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (10)
Dawn Euer (D)*,
Jonathon Acosta (D),
Peter Appollonio (D),
Hanna Gallo (D),
Meghan Kallman (D),
Todd Patalano (D),
Ryan Pearson (D),
Brian Thompson (D),
Lori Urso (D),
Sam Zurier (D),
Last Action
Committee recommended measure be held for further study (on 03/19/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://status.rilegislature.gov/ |
| BillText | https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText25/SenateText25/S0638.pdf |
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