STATEWIDE— BELIEVING THAT STUDENTS NEED TO UNDERSTAND HOW GOVERNMENT WORKS, ASSEMBLYMEMBER WILLLIAM COLTON, D-47, has introduced a bill in the state legislature that would require civics education for high school students.
Colton, a former teacher who represents much of southwestern Brooklyn, is pushing the Next-Gen Civics Act (A09298), which would require New York state high schools to provide their students with a semester-long civics course, as well as to encourage young people to become engaged in the public sphere, to learn about issues and think critically about them and to vote when they reach age 18.
The course would be separate from any other social studies class and would feature “a hands-on, project-based curriculum.” It would incorporate mock elections, community projects and policy simulations, providing students with both foundational knowledge and practical skills The curriculum would also encourage students to register to vote as they approach their 18th birthday.
“Over the recent past, there has been a decline in interest and participation in civic activity by young people who don’t understand that they can have a significant impact,” said Colton. “The more young people who become engaged, the stronger our republic will be, going forward.”
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