The civics education update has its funding through the first chamber of the legislature.
On a 63-5 vote, House members passed House Bill 1279, which appropriates $900,000 for the development of civics curriculum and resources.
The proposed one-time funding of $900,000 would go to four areas of the review and development of civics education, including:
- Creating instructional materials and resources related to South Dakota history, government and geography for schools in the state to utilize, if they choose;
- A pilot program for schools to implement new civics programs, if they choose;
- An instructional materials review;
- Teacher professional development.
The civics standards will be reviewed this year by a committee comprised of multiple members, which you can learn how to apply to be a member of here, and presented to the State Board of Education for review and approval.
ASBSD is monitoring the bill, which now heads to Senate Appropriations for debate and review.
For updates on this bill and others throughout the 2021 legislative session, check the ASBSD Blog and Bill Tracker page.