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Minutes for HB2573 - Committee on Education
Short Title
Requiring students pass an American civics test in order to graduate with a high school diploma.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 11, 2020
Chairperson Huebert called the meeting to order at 1:30 and opened the hearing on HB2573.
Revisor Jason Long gave an overview of the bill. (Attachment 1)
There was a brief discussion.
Opponent Testimony:
Leah Fliter, Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB), testified as an opponent of the bill. Fliter affirmed that the KASB policy is that a district's curriculum should be set by the local board of education and not state statute. (Attachment 2)
Mark Desetti, Kansas National Education Association (KNEA) testified as an opponent, noted that he had received a D in his Civics course in 9th grade, and stated that the bill is unnecessary. A test does not change people or increase voter turnout. This is a high stakes test, it can keep a student from graduating. He stressed that students are presently taking Civics classes, and there is nothing more to add. He urged the Committee not to pass this bill. (Attachment 3)
Written Only Opponent Testimony:
John Allison, Superintendent, Olathe (Attachment 4)
Proponent Testimony:
Attorney General Derek Schmidt testified in favor of the bill. Schmidt shared that his office is passionate about this type of legislation. He offered a similar proposal to the Kansas State Board of Education, asking them to use the Citizenship Test as part of their curriculum. When attending citizenship ceremonies he has felt emotionally moved at the choice of people to uproot their lives and come to this country; he has considered how important it is to know our history and system of government. If we are privileged to be born here, we should honor the effort immigrants by ensuring our own children know the information on the Citizenship Test. He ended by stating what really matters is having somebody teach kids this information. In his life it was an 8th grade Civics teacher. She still keeps in touch with him. He urged the Committee to support the bill. (Attachment 5)
Vice Chairperson Dietrich took the chair as Representative Huebert testified as a proponent.
Chairperson Huebert shared his passion about this bill. He thanked the Attorney General, Revisor Jason Long, and his own Civics teacher from high school. He noted that local control is important, but he feels strongly this would be a positive addition to teaching students about how Civic Government works and why citizens need to be involved. Huebert is not worried about the high standards of this test, because he believes that if students need to pass something, they will work hard and they can do it. There is a Civics Education Initiative nationally that Kansas needs to be part of. He urged the Committee to pass the bill out favorably. (Attachment 6)
Written Only Proponent Testimony:
Zach Eckert, Excellence in Education (Attachment 7)
Conservative Leaders for Education (Attachment 8)
Chairperson Huebert took the chair again. There was a brief discussion. One issue was the question of who is in charge of curriculum, Kansas State Board of Education, local boards, or the Kansas Legislature. One committee member noted that it would be interesting for all legislators to be required to pass this test.
Chairperson Huebert closed the hearing on HB2573 and adjourned the meeting at 2:27.
