Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires civics instruction in grades K-12 in Wisconsin.

Highlights:

• Requires school boards, independent charter schools, and private schools participating in a parental choice program beginning in the 2027-2028 program to include in their respective curricula instruction in civics that includes the following topics and pupil development goals (Sec. 1-9):

• An understanding of pupils' shared rights and responsibilities as residents of this state and the United States and of the founding principles of the United States;

• A sense of civic pride and desire to participate regularly with government at the local, state, and federal levels;

• An understanding of the process for effectively advocating before governmental bodies and officials;

• An understanding of the civic-minded expectations of an upright and desirable citizenry that recognizes and accepts responsibility for preserving and defending the benefits of liberty inherited from previous generations and secured by the U.S. Constitution; and

• Knowledge of other nations' governing philosophies, including communism, socialism, and totalitarianism, and an understanding of how those philosophies compare with the philosophy and principles of freedom and representative democracy essential to the founding principles of the United States.

• Requires school boards, independent charter schools, and private schools participating in a parental choice program to annually report to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) regarding how they are meeting the civics instruction requirements created under the bill (Sec. 1-9).

• Requires DPI to compile that report information and then submit it to the legislature (Sec. 1-9).

• Specifies that the social studies credits needed to graduate also must include one-half credit of civics instruction beginning in the 2030-2031 school year (Sec. 1-9).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect beginning July 1, 2026 (Sec. 10).

Full Bill Text