West Supported Plan Would Require Teaching of Civics to Junior High Students

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maurice West II, D-Rockford, recently helped pass legislation that will ensure that public junior high students are provided a semester course on civics.

“It is incredibly important that our children understand service, government and the democratic process,” West said. “Understanding civic concepts is critical to being informed and understanding current events.”

West cosponsored House Bill 2265, which would require public schools to teach a semester length civics course to students sometime during 6th, 7th or 8th grade. The course would focus on government institutions, the discussion of current and societal issues, service learning and the democratic process. Under current law, public high school students are required to complete at least one semester of civics education in order to graduate high school.

“It’s necessary to emphasize civics and the impact it will have on our future,” West said. “This is an opportunity to inspire students and the leaders of tomorrow.”