IL HB1406

Grade 6 students must complete at least one semester of civics education beginning in the 2012-2013 school year, covering federal, state, and local government structures; legislative, executive, and judicial branches; and historic documents including the Articles of Confederation, Declaration of Independence, and U.S. Constitution.

State Board of Education must develop a statewide standardized end-of-course civics assessment for 6th grade students.

During 2012-2013, the civics assessment must be administered as a field test with no impact on grades.

During 2013-2014, student performance on the civics assessment shall constitute 30% of the final course grade.

Beginning in 2014-2015, students must earn a passing score on the civics assessment to pass the course, receive course credit, and be promoted to the next grade level.