Legislature Passes Civics Education Curriculum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     
Contact: State Rep. Natalie Higgins, Natalie.Higgins@mahouse.gov, 978-602-3772
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Legislature Passes Civics Education Curriculum


July 30, 2018 (BOSTON) – Representative Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster) joined her colleagues in the Legislature to enact S.2631, An Act to Promote and Enhance Civic Engagement. This legislation is the result of years of advocacy and collaboration between bipartisan House and Senate legislators, and it will implement a civics education curriculum in all Massachusetts public schools.


The legislation promotes a hands-on and experiential approach to fostering civic engagement. It incorporates project-based learning components, encourages the instruction of civic competencies – including news and media literacy – and provides extracurricular civic-participation opportunities.


“I am incredibly proud that we have passed this legislation because it is so important that young men and women are given the opportunity to learn how to affect change in their community,” said Senate President Emerita Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester). “This civics curriculum is a long-term investment in the future of our Commonwealth. When we begin to educate our children about civic responsibility at a young age, we foster the growth and development of our nation’s future leaders.”


“Civic engagement is at the heart of our democracy and this legislation will empower young people with the information and tools to get involved in their government from their hometowns to Washington, DC,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop).  “Thank you to Senate President Chandler and my colleagues in the House and Senate who worked diligently to put this in place for our students.”


The bill is now before the Governor for his consideration.


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