New school Civics law in effect

Changes to the way Nebraska students learn about civics went into effect Sept. 1, revamping a law which originally entered the books in 1949.

A school board's committee on Americanism is now known as the committee on American civics, thanks to passage of Legislative Bill 399, introduced by Sen. Julie Slama, of Peru.

The bill requires two committee meetings per calendar year, where public testimony can be entered into the record for each district.

Slama, who did not respond to a SAM request for an interview, compromised on the bill, with schools choosing one of three options for student demonstration of understanding.

Options include taking a civics test, attending a government meeting and writing a paper or project about the proceedings or completing a project or paper and class presentation about a person or event commemorated by a holiday listed in subsection six of the bill.

The list of holidays include George Washington's birthday, Abraham Lincoln's birthday, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Native American Heritage Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving.

Clearwater Public Schools Principal Mike Sanne said a committee of teachers will determine which project students will complete.

"Their input is valuable in how to best make this happen," he said.

Members of the Ewing junior class will satisfy requirements with attendance at County Government Day.

"All are required to go and write a paper for that activity," said Principal Greg Appleby.

Administrators at local schools said elementary educators will plan classroom learning activities for the eight notable holidays, while high school social studies instructors will plan age-appropriate activities for their students.

Another provision in the law states students in sixth grade and below "will devote at least one hour per week to exercises or teaching of American history."

Included is the teaching of patriotic songs and flag etiquette.

Appleby said Ewing staff members will discuss this item and will be "placing it in the correct position in our curriculum."

Students will also study the U.S. and Nebraska constitutions during social studies classes, at least two years, while enrolled in grades five through eight.

High school students will take two courses devoted to civics and American history, which will include discussion about the Declaration of Independence.

American history, typically taken during the junior year, and American government, a senior-level course, will fulfill the requirement.

Passage of the bill repeals a provision which teachers and administrators could be charged with a misdemeanor for failing to carry out the law, originally included in the 1949 bill.

When LB 399 passed March 21, two state senators - Ernie Chambers and Megan Hunt - voted against it.

On the legislative floor, Chambers said the bill verged on compulsory patriotism.

Forty-four senators voted in favor of the updated language.