BILL NUMBER: AB 137	AMENDED
	BILL TEXT

	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  APRIL 10, 2013
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  MARCH 14, 2013

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Buchanan

                        JANUARY 16, 2013

   An act to amend Section 33540 of the Education Code, relating to
pupil instruction.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 137, as amended, Buchanan. Pupil instruction: civics.
   Existing law requires the Instructional Quality Commission to
review and revise, as necessary, the course requirements in the
history-social science framework to ensure that minimum standards for
courses in American government and civics include certain matters.
   This bill would additionally require the commission, when revising
the history-social science framework,  to ensure that the course
requirements include teaching pupils how to interact, in a practical
manner, with state and local governmental agencies and
representatives to solve problems and to petition for changes in laws
and procedures, and that these course requirements are included in
all history and social science course and grade levels, as
appropriate. The commission would also be required,  
whenever the framework is revised,  to receive input from
 civic   civics  learning experts, for the
purpose of integrating civics learning content, concepts, and skills
with the standards established by the State Board of Education in
core curriculum areas at  each   all appropriate
 grade level,   levels,  and to
 ensure that the civics learning content, concepts, and
skills to be taught include certain matters   consider
how civics and learning instruction include the application of that
content  .
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 33540 of the Education Code is amended to read:

   33540.  (a) The state board and the department shall request that
the commission review and revise, as necessary, the course
requirements in the history-social science framework developed by the
History-Social Science Curriculum Framework and Criteria Committee
of the state board to ensure that minimum standards for courses in
American government and civics include sufficient attention to
teaching pupils how to interact, in a practical manner, with state
and local governmental agencies and representatives to solve problems
and to petition for changes in laws and procedures  and that
these course requirements are also included in all history and social
  science courses and grade levels, as appropriate  .
   (b)  When   Whenever  the history-social
science framework is revised as required by law, the commission
shall do all of the following:
    (1) Receive input from  civic   civics 
learning experts, including  civic   civics
 education program providers, associations of  civic
  civics  educators, and organizations dedicated to
research on  civic   civics  learning, for
the purpose of integrating civics learning content, concepts, and
skills, at  each   all appropriate  grade
 level   levels  , with the standards
established by the state board in core curriculum areas, as specified
in Section 60605.
   (2)  Ensure that the civics learning content, concepts,
and skills to be taught include, but not be limited to, a basic
understanding of the responsibilities and operation of the three
branches of state and federal government, the importance of civic
engagement, and the competencies needed to become effective and
responsible residents and citizens in the 21st century. 
 Consider how civics and history instruction, at all appropriate
grade levels, includes, in addition to the acquisition of content
knowledge, the application of that content to develop the competence
and skills needed for civic engagement. 
   (3) Ensure that the following historical documents are
incorporated into the framework, as appropriate:
   (A) The Declaration of Independence.
   (B) The United States Constitution, including the Bill of Rights.
   (C) The Federalist Papers.
   (D) The Emancipation Proclamation.
   (E) The Gettysburg Address.
   (F) George Washington's Farewell Address.