Students need civics lessons

The Florida Legislature is not often a shining example of good government. But this week there was a ray of hope that lawmakers finally recognize the importance of citizens understanding how government is supposed to work. The House unanimously approved a much-needed requirement that middle school students complete a one-semester civics education class and pass an end-of-course test.

Convincing legislators that students should learn more about government and civic engagement is not the no-brainer it appears. For more than a decade, social studies teachers have argued that classes such as civics are not high priorities because the subjects are not covered by statewide high-stakes testing. Former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, a Democrat, and former U.S. Rep. Lou Frey, a Republican, have spent several years pushing for more civics education. Now Graham believes this could be the year the Legislature sees the light.

The case for beefed-up civics education is depressingly convincing, particularly in Florida. The state's Civic Health Index that evaluates the condition of civic life finds Florida ranks 46th in the nation. Florida is near the bottom in measures such as the percentage of citizens who volunteered, attended a public meeting or contributed at least $25 to charity in 2008. It ranked 34th in average voter turnout. In many respects, Florida remains more of a crowd of transplants than a community.

There has been some progress toward stopping the slide in civics education. The state adopted new social studies standards in 2008 that included more civics in seventh grade. In Pinellas County, more than a dozen middle schools are using a new civics curriculum in a year-long course that is expected to be extended countywide by 2012. But Florida needs to tackle this challenge in a more coordinated approach.

The bills, HB 105 and SB 1096, call for the one-semester civics education course to be in place for students entering middle school in 2012-2013. The end-of-course assessment would be a factor in determining a middle school's grade beginning in 2013-2014. In an era that emphasizes high-stakes testing and school ratings, that is the only method of ensuring civics becomes a priority.

If Florida is ever to realize its potential, residents have to better understand how government works and the role engaged citizens should play in vibrant communities. A vigorous civics education for middle school students is a good place to start, and the Legislature should not squander another opportunity to make it happen.