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1 Statement of Purpose. The purpose of this act is to enhance civics education across all grade levels in public schools by establishing a dedicated commission of civics education professionals to develop a comprehensive civics curriculum framework and to provide professional development to teachers.
2 New Section; Department of Education; Civics Education Professional Commission. Amend RSA 21-N by inserting after section 8-e the following new section:
21-N:8-f Civics Professional Education Commission.
I. There is established a civics education professional commission.
II. The commission shall be composed of 11 members as follows:
(a) The executive director of NH Civics, or their designee;
(b) A staff member or trustee of NH Civics, or their designee;
(c) A high school social studies or history teacher, jointly appointed by the president of the National Education Association of New Hampshire (NEA-NH) and the president of the American Federation of Teachers of New Hampshire (AFT-NH);
(d) A middle school social studies or history teacher, jointly appointed by the president of NEA-NH and the president of AFT-NH;
(e) An elementary school teacher with relevant experience, jointly appointed by the president of NEA-NH and the president of AFT-NH;
(f) Two members of the house of representatives appointed by the chairperson and ranking member of the house standing committee on education policy and administration, one of whom is a member of such committee, with each member from a different major political party;
(g) The secretary of state or their designee;
(h) The commissioner of the department of education or their designee; and
(i) Two high school students who are involved in student government;
III. Legislative members of the commission shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the commission.
IV. The civics professional education commission shall:
(a) Develop a comprehensive civics curriculum framework applicable to all grade levels, aligning with state and federal educational standards.
(b) Design professional development programs and materials to train public school teachers in effective civics instruction.
(c) Recommend best practices for integrating civics education across various subject areas and grade levels.
(d) Collaborate with educators, community leaders, and civics organizations to ensure the curriculum and professional development are relevant and effective.
V. The members of the commission shall elect a chairperson among the members. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the first-named house member of the commission. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 30 days of the effective date of this section. A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.
VI. The civics education professional commission shall submit a report to the department of education and the general court with recommendations and proposed implementation strategies no later than November 1, 2026.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
Text to be added highlighted in green.
1 Statement of Purpose. The purpose of this act is to enhance civics education across all grade levels in public schools by establishing a dedicated commission of civics education professionals to develop a comprehensive civics curriculum framework and to provide professional development to teachers.
2 New Section; Department of Education; Civics Education Professional Commission. Amend RSA 21-N by inserting after section 8-e the following new section:
21-N:8-f Civics Professional Education Commission.
I. There is established a civics education professional commission.
II. The commission shall be composed of 11 members as follows:
(a) The executive director of NH Civics, or their designee;
(b) A staff member or trustee of NH Civics, or their designee;
(c) A high school social studies or history teacher, jointly appointed by the president of the National Education Association of New Hampshire (NEA-NH) and the president of the American Federation of Teachers of New Hampshire (AFT-NH);
(d) A middle school social studies or history teacher, jointly appointed by the president of NEA-NH and the president of AFT-NH;
(e) An elementary school teacher with relevant experience, jointly appointed by the president of NEA-NH and the president of AFT-NH;
(f) Two members of the house of representatives appointed by the chairperson and ranking member of the house standing committee on education policy and administration, one of whom is a member of such committee, with each member from a different major political party;
(g) The secretary of state or their designee;
(h) The commissioner of the department of education or their designee; and
(i) Two high school students who are involved in student government;
III. Legislative members of the commission shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the commission.
IV. The civics professional education commission shall:
(a) Develop a comprehensive civics curriculum framework applicable to all grade levels, aligning with state and federal educational standards.
(b) Design professional development programs and materials to train public school teachers in effective civics instruction.
(c) Recommend best practices for integrating civics education across various subject areas and grade levels.
(d) Collaborate with educators, community leaders, and civics organizations to ensure the curriculum and professional development are relevant and effective.
V. The members of the commission shall elect a chairperson among the members. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the first-named house member of the commission. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 30 days of the effective date of this section. A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.
VI. The civics education professional commission shall submit a report to the department of education and the general court with recommendations and proposed implementation strategies no later than November 1, 2026.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.