Alaska Senate Passes Civics Test for High School Graduation

0:00In Anchorage, it's March 10th, and here's what is going on. Alaska Senate has unanimously approved a bill that will require high school students to pass a civics test or course to graduate. The new rule would kick in for ninth graders starting in 2027. This push comes from Senate President Gary Stevens, a Kodiak Republican and retired professor wrapping up his long career. He's champion civics education for years, including a 2016 effort to boost it in public schools. Lawmakers from both parties backed the bill with little pushback. One senator joked it's tough to oppose George Washington. Stevens argues schools have focused too much on math and science, sidemining lessons on government basics. The state board of education would develop a curriculum on topics like founding principles, federalism, elections, and world governments using free. Materials to keep costs down. This could retake the test, or do a project instead, with startup expenses around $840,000.

1:02Pass version stalled in the house, but Stevens's hopeful it'll pass there this session, or he'll hand it off for next year. DNN is sponsored by our partner. Check out the episode description. Your favorite podcasts, music, or sleep sounds coming from your pillow. No earbuds, no distractions. Just listen and relax.