Dupage Policy Journal

State Sen. Tom Fullerton recently spearheaded legislation that will require a semester of civics to graduate from high school.

Illinois is one of only 10 states that does not require a civics course to graduate. Currently, Illinois high school graduates are required to complete two years of social studies courses. House Bill 4025 would require one of the two years to include a civics course for a semester.

“Good government is a result of public officials and residents working together to make informed decisions," Cullerton said. "We need to ensure our young people know how government works to make sure government is working for them."

Shawn Healy, chair of the Illinois Task Force on Civic Education and Civic Learning Scholar at the Robert R. McCormick Foundation in Chicago, Illinois, thanked the state Senate and House for passing the bill last week.

“Today, we move one step closer in equipping our students with the necessary skills to be informed and engaged participants in our democracy," he said. “On behalf of the task force, we are grateful for the bipartisan support of this transformational legislation.”