This bill mandates the inclusion of a logic and critical thinking course in the high school curriculum across the state, effective from the 2026-2027 school year. It amends existing laws to establish that skills in logic and critical thinking are essential components of an adequate education, requiring a minimum of 54 hours of instruction in these subjects. The bill also directs the state board of education to develop and distribute policy guidelines for the teaching of logic and critical thinking, ensuring that these skills are integrated into the educational framework. Additionally, it clarifies the definition of "critical thinking" and emphasizes the importance of understanding evidence and logical reasoning.

The bill makes several amendments to current law, including the insertion of new paragraphs and subparagraphs that outline the requirements for teaching logic and critical thinking. It deletes references to computer use and digital literacy as standalone subjects, instead integrating them into the learning areas of logic and rhetoric. The fiscal impact of the bill is significant, with an estimated cost of over $1 million for content and standards development, as well as additional costs for staffing and implementation at the district level, although these costs are indeterminable and will vary by district. The bill does not provide funding or authorize new positions to cover these expenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 193-E:2, 193-E:2-a, 193-E:3-b, 189:10, 186:11
HB1524 text: 193-E:2, 193-E:2-a, 193-E:3-b, 189:10, 186:11