The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend current statutes regarding the promotion requirements for students in Arizona. Specifically, it would add a new section, 15-701.05, to the Arizona Revised Statutes, which mandates that the State Board of Education include a requirement for students to complete at least three social studies course credits in grades six through eight, with at least one of those credits focused on civics education. This change would enhance the existing competency requirements for eighth-grade promotion by incorporating specific instructional content related to the roles and responsibilities of government, the structure of government branches, and the significance of foundational historical documents.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for students transferring into public schools during the second semester of eighth grade. Such students may be promoted without completing the civics education requirement if they have transferred from another state, private school, or homeschool, have completed at least three social studies credits, and have received civics instruction in grades six, seven, or eight. This flexibility aims to accommodate students who may not have had the opportunity to fulfill the civics education requirement due to their transfer circumstances.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-506
House Engrossed Version: 15-701, 15-701.05, 15-751, 15-761, 15-704, 15-342