Yesterday, Representative Mike Moffett introduced HB 320 to the House Education Committee. AN ACT requiring a civics competency assessment as a high school graduation requirement. This legislation would require all students graduating from a NH High School to pass the U.S. Citizenship test.
NH does not have a standardized test on this important subject and parents have no idea if their kids are learning the basics in Civics. In many classes, they are focused on civic action which has led to students not having a solid understanding of how the country was founded, how it’s governed, and what it means to be a citizen. A basis of knowledge is needed in order to engage in analytical and critical thinking.
That is why Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch have been advocating for civics education in schools and believe that it should be a mandatory part of the curriculum.
For those who continually talk about supporting public education, this is a way to do it. Improving literacy in a core academic subject is how we all work together to improve public schools in New Hampshire.
This test is not a replacement for a good Civics program. Good Social Studies Standards can also assist in developing an excellent curriculum. Several states have already enacted laws that require the passage of this test in all schools. This would mean that New Hampshire students would be required to have the same basis of knowledge in Civics –similar to knowing your math facts. This content is something all students should learn and know.
So who would oppose this legislation? Carl Ladd, Executive Director – New Hampshire School Administrators Association.
Who pays his salary? YOU DO. Schools pay dues to the NHSAA out of the school budget. Precious tax dollars that could be used in the classroom are diverted to lobbying organizations that fight to oppose improving literacy in our public schools. Diverting public dollars to lobbyists who do not speak for many parents, denies raises for teachers, money for special education, and other important necessities.
One of the arguments he used against HB320 was that this would limit what students will focus on in Civics. Learning math facts are important too, would he oppose focusing on math facts? They are the academic foundation in the core subject.
One way to improve public schools is to return to a focus on academic content. Good academic content.
For those who oppose school choice and continually say that we need to work to improve public schools in our state, that’s what we are doing.
You still have time to email to the House and Senate Committee members in favor of HB320.
Stop supporting the dumbing down of public schools while pretending that you support quality public schools in this state. And look to see if your district is paying dues to the NHSAA.
It’s a good time to tell your school board members to stop diverting public tax dollars towards lobbyists who are not looking out for your children and their public schools.
HouseEducationCommittee@leg.state.nh.us
State Senators:
Ruth.Ward@leg.state.nh.us
denise.ricciardi@leg.state.nh.us
Erin.Hennessey@leg.state.nh.us
