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 errors identified. Starting in the 2026/2027 school year, students in public high schools will take a civics test based on the USCIS civics test to assess their understanding of American civics. Public school districts will report aggregate data on test performance, which will be compiled into a "Civic Education Scorecard" made publicly available by the Department of Education. This initiative aims to foster a deeper appreciation of democracy and government among students while holding educational institutions accountable for the effectiveness of civics instruction.

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