SCH CD-REQUIRE CIVICS COURSE

Amends the School Code. Requires every public elementary school that maintains grade 7 or 8 to include in its curriculum a separate one-semester civics course of study with the goal of helping young people acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and responsible citizens throughout their lives. Sets forth the focuses of the course content. Provides that this course of study shall be taken in both the 7th and 8th grade, completion of which shall be a prerequisite to receiving an elementary school diploma. Permits the State Board of Education to prepare and make available to school boards instructional materials that may be used as guidelines for the development of the course of study.