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, political philosophy, and a comparative analysis of various ideologies. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of using primary sources and interactive learning techniques while ensuring that teachers present current events from diverse perspectives without compelling students to adopt specific beliefs.

To ensure the quality and accuracy of instructional materials, the bill requires that all materials be reviewed and approved by the West Virginia Department of Education, with corrections made for any identified errors. Starting in the 2025/2026 school year, students will also be required to take a civics test based on the USCIS civics test, with aggregate data reported to the Department of Education. The bill includes provisions for accountability, such as a publicly accessible "Civic Education Scorecard," and establishes 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