Additional requirements could be added to high school civics courses

The Education Committee heard testimony Feb. 14 on a bill that would add requirements to high school civics education curricula.

High school students currently are required to take civics courses in at least two grade levels.

LB544, introduced by Boys Town Sen. Rich Pahls, would require that those courses include students’ active participation in improving their society and would include practicing civil discourse between opposing interests.

“We’re trying to promote civics because we feel like it has slipped with the demands that are placed on other content areas,” Pahls said.

Brian Halstead, assistant commissioner for the state Department of Education, testified in support of the bill.

The requirements could be incorporated when the department updates social studies standards later this year, Halstead said.

The committee took no immediate action on the bill.