This bill mandates that the Kansas State Board of Education develop a social studies curriculum for students in grades K-12 that includes an understanding of communist and socialist regimes and ideologies. Each school district is required to provide instruction on these topics using the materials and guidelines developed by the state board. Additionally, the bill amends K.S.A. 72-3217 to remove certain language regarding the instruction of civil government, United States history, and patriotism, while introducing a requirement for high school students to pass an American civics examination to graduate.

The bill specifies that starting July 1, 2026, all students enrolling in grade nine at accredited schools must pass this civics examination, which will consist of questions similar to those used in the U.S. citizenship naturalization process. Students may take the exam multiple times to achieve a passing score, and accommodations for students with individualized education programs (IEPs) will be determined by their IEPs. The state board of education is also authorized to create rules and regulations to implement these provisions, including establishing a model examination and passing score. The existing section of K.S.A. 72-3217 is repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 72-3217