Schools have a civic duty to teach civics

We’d be horrified if kids were graduating from high school without knowing how to read, write, and do basic math — essential tools in everyday life.

Why aren’t we horrified that kids are graduating without having mastered the basic concepts of civic life?

Indeed, we expect schools to produce graduates who at the very least have mastered these elementary concepts, since they are absolutely necessary for full engagement in the world around us.

So why aren’t we horrified that kids are graduating without having mastered the elementary concepts of civic life?

By that we mean an understanding of American government and knowledge of American history.

We know these deficiencies exist because national studies have revealed that fewer than 25 percent of high school students are able to answer basic questions about our nation’s government and history.

Fortunately, two people who are horrified by the growing ignorance of civic life — and have the ability to do something about — decided to act.

State Sens. John C. Rafferty, R-44th Dist., and Andrew Dinniman, D-19th Dist., are behind legislation that would require high school students to have a basic understanding of American history and government.

Senate Bill 723 requires students to take a test identical to the civics portion of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ naturalization test, which immigrants must pass when applying for citizenship.

In its original form, the bill made passing the test a graduation requirement.

The bill has since been amended and the graduation stipulation was stricken from the measure, though the test remains a required part of the curriculum.

Why would-be citizens have to pass the test but citizens get a bye seems illogical to us.

We wholeheartedly agree with the authors of the measure that an understanding of civics, government, and American history is essential to “prepare and encourage” students to be “responsibly engaged citizens.”

Seventeen other states agree. That’s how many have adopted similar legislation, including the graduation stipulation. An additional 19 states are considering joining the fold.

Commenting on his desire for students to understand the fundamentals of U.S. history and government, Rafferty said: “It appears to me that complaints about our government are at an all-time high, and yet understanding of our government is at an all-time low ... It is fundamental for a republic that the citizenry be informed and involved. A knowledge of civics is essential for a democracy to survive.”

Dinniman, who serves as minority chairman of the Senate Education Committee, said: “These are basic principles regarding our rights, freedoms, and history that every American should know, which is why we’re making the test identical to the one given to naturalized citizens.”

Senate Bill 723 calls for results of the test to be reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Education annually to help inform and guide the overall state approach to social studies curriculum.

The bill now goes to the Senate floor for full consideration and would take effect in the 2019-2020 school year.

Lawmakers have a civic duty to pass it.

“It is fundamental for a republic that the citizenry be informed and involved. A knowledge of civics is essential for a democracy to survive.”