H-426                _______________________________________________

                                                   HOUSE BILL NO. 1107

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                               51st Legislature                              1989 Regular Session

By Representatives Pruitt, Peery, Walker, Dorn, K. Wilson, Phillips, Cole, G. Fisher, P. King, Anderson, Valle and H. Myers

Read first time 1/16/89 and referred to Committee on Education.

AN ACT Relating to citizenship education; and adding new sections to chapter 28A.58 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     (1) The legislature finds that the common schools of the state perform an integral role in helping students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become productive and socially responsible citizens.

          (2) The legislature further finds that as a result of the process of education, students should be able to possess and apply the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed for full and effective participation in a democratic society, including development of an awareness of and concern for the rights and well-being of others.  The process of education should also expose students to the concept and importance of community service.

          (3) The legislature declares that school districts should examine their curricular programs for citizenship education content.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.     (1) Every school district board of directors shall adopt a written policy on citizenship education.  Such policy shall address the extent to which citizenship education is incorporated as a component in the curriculum and activities of the district.

          (2) For purposes of adopting a written policy pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, citizenship education shall mean, but is not expressly limited to, the following:

          (a) Academic disciplines such as, including but not limited to:  History, including the social significance of state and national holidays; social studies, including sociology and the role of the media in society; and political science, including civics and the study of the United States and Washington state Constitutions required under RCW 28A.02.080;

          (b) Character education, including instruction about: The concepts of courage, including conviction of thoughts and action; honesty, honor, and justice; freedom of speech and tolerance of divergent viewpoints; self-discipline and personal industry; generosity, helpfulness, and compassion; and freedom of choice balanced by responsibility;

          (c) Societal education, including instruction about: Contemporary social problems and issues; consumer and economic education; law-related education; and international or multicultural/multi-ethnic education; and

          (d) Experiential education, including but not limited to: Community service; volunteerism; leadership training; participation in governmental processes such as voting or voter registration; participation in foreign exchange programs; and cocurricular service activities.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.     (1) In adopting the policy pursuant to section 2(1) of this act, districts may and are encouraged to conduct a review to assess the extent to which the district's instructional materials and curriculum program include citizenship education.

          (2) In conducting any such curriculum review, a district may: (a) Use a citizenship education advisory committee established for the specific purpose of conducting the review, which committee shall include members representing students, teachers, administrators, parents, the school board, local government, and the community; (b) use its instructional materials committee established under RCW 28A.58.103: PROVIDED, That the district shall provide an opportunity for students, parents, local government officials, and business and labor representatives to participate in any meetings or hearings held by the instructional materials committee; (c) conduct the review as part of any annual goal-setting process the district has established pursuant to RCW 28A.58.094; or (d) conduct the review as part of the self-study provisions under RCW 28A.58.085.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.     The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall develop guidelines and a model curriculum for citizenship education.  The guidelines and model curriculum shall be made available to all school districts no later than January 1, 1990.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.     Sections 1 through 4 of this act are each added to chapter 28A.58 RCW.