Bill > S0221

This bill, known as the "Civics Strengthens Democracy Act," aims to enhance civic education in Vermont schools by requiring school districts to provide civics education from kindergarten through 12th grade, with specific time allocations for social studies in elementary grades and dedicated semester-long civics courses in middle and high school, with the latter being a graduation requirement. It introduces "project-based assessments," which are nonpartisan civics projects designed to help students develop reasoning skills and understand the connections between policies and their communities, as an alternative to traditional testing. The bill also establishes a "civic seal" to recognize students who demonstrate civic excellence through these projects and related coursework, and a "recognition program" to honor schools and districts for their achievements in civic learning. To support these initiatives, it creates the "Civics Education Special Fund," which will receive state appropriations and private donations to provide funding for civics education, and an advisory council to oversee the implementation of the act and offer assistance to schools. The bill also incorporates principles of "Educating for American Democracy" (EAD), which emphasizes inquiry-based learning, student agency, and reflective patriotism, and includes provisions for media literacy education. Implementation of these changes is set to begin in the 2027-2028 school year, with full implementation by the 2028-2029 school year, and the act will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Education

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.221