This bill amends existing laws regarding social studies instruction for students in grades seven through twelve in Iowa. It mandates that social studies curricula in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools include instruction on both civics and United States government for grades seven and eight, with a minimum requirement of one-half semester of instruction. Additionally, for grades nine through twelve, the bill increases the requirement for United States government instruction from one-half unit to one full unit, ensuring that it also encompasses civics education.

The bill introduces new legal language to specify these requirements, including the addition of "and United States" to the civics instruction, and clarifies that the civics and United States government instruction must be at least one-half semester in grades seven and eight. It also outlines that the instruction must cover voting procedures and the study of the Constitution. The changes will take effect for school years beginning on or after July 1, 2028.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256E.7, 256.11