For the first time in 10 years Illinois has added a new course to the requirements for high school graduation. Effective July 2016, at least one semester of civics will be required for students to receive a diploma. Many wonder what the civics course will offer that isn’t already included in the required semester of government for high school students. In comparison to a simple government class, civics courses will focus more on discussion of current issues, the rights and duties of American citizens and simulations of the democratic process, as well as promoting community and political involvement.

The inclusion of this new requirement will likely benefit students greatly. As a criminal defense office, we find that many people aren’t aware of their civil liberties to the full extent that they apply. Even with the required government class, Americans’ knowledge of their day-to-day rights is still not universal. With the additional civics course, students will be able to learn about the functions of their government and analyze whether or not those functions are being utilized properly. This will hopefully create more interest in political and community involvement for young people, both before and after graduation. In theory, greater civic involvement can lead to a more effective democratic process in which the government and the people serve each other equally.

Although the change in curriculum will likely be a positive one for students, it may take some adjusting for educators. Many teachers choose to not bring controversial, partisan issues into the classroom in order to avoid politicizing the education students are receiving. This is a fair argument, seeing as educational institutions are often times very diverse places. Students have many differing viewpoints, and it is important that teachers create a learning environment where all opinions are respected and all voices given the same opportunity to be heard. However, exposure to opposing viewpoints can be highly beneficial for high school students – exposing them to new ideas and ways of thinking -as long as teachers remain neutral in their moderating practices. Other qualms regarding the new legislation concern potential funding issues. Brian Schwartz of the Illinois Principle’s was quoted for the Chicago Tribune, stating, “We are not opposed to kids learning civics. We’re opposed to the General Assembly prescribing more and more mandates without adequate funding.” Schwartz’s statement is a fair one in light of the problems with budgeting experienced by Illinois this year.

Many school districts already have a civics course or wish to incorporate the requirement into classes they already have. On the subject, the Illinois State Board of Education issued a statement stating that as long as the mandates of the new law are followed, school districts are free to determine the most effective way to incorporate civics for their students – whether as an individual class or as a part of already existing courses. Allowing schools to add the new requirements to classes that are already being taught may be a partial solution to potential funding obstacles, seeing as it costs less to slightly change a course’s curriculum than it would to create a new course altogether.

Here at LauraLaw, we believe that knowing your rights is of the utmost importance and therefore believe that this new requirement will greatly benefit Illinois students and citizens. And as always, if you have any criminal defense needs, contact us immediately so we can do our best to protect your constitutional rights.