The proposed bill, known as the American Civics and History Act, aims to enhance civics education in West Virginia public schools by mandating specific instructional requirements. It establishes that all public schools must provide at least one semester of instruction in U.S. history, state government, and American civics before students complete the eighth and twelfth grades. The curriculum will include a comprehensive understanding of American government institutions, political philosophy, and a comparative analysis of various ideologies. Additionally, the West Virginia State Board of Education will oversee the development of these courses, ensuring that teachers present current events from diverse perspectives without compelling adherence to any specific beliefs.

To ensure the quality and accuracy of instructional materials, the bill requires that all teaching resources be reviewed and approved by the West Virginia Department of Education, with a focus on correcting any errors. Starting in the 2025/2026 school year, students will also take a civics test modeled after the USCIS civics test, with data on student performance reported to the Department of Education. The bill includes provisions for accountability, such as a publicly accessible "Civic Education Scorecard," and asserts that if any part of the act is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions will still stand.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-36-1, 18-36-2, 18-36-3, 18-36-4, 18-36-5