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Minutes for HB2039 - Committee on Education
Short Title
Requiring students to pass an American civics test in order to graduate with a high school diploma.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 3, 2021
Chairperson Huebert asked for a motion to accept three sets of minutes.
Representative Thomas moved, Representative Clark seconded, to accept the minutes of January 19, January 26, and January 27 as written. Motion carried.
Chairperson Huebert opened the hearing on HB2039.
Revisor Nick Meyers gave an overview of the bill. (Attachment 1)
There was a brief discussion about the history of the bill and the present Civics curriculum in Kansas schools.
Opponent Verbal Testimony:
Leah Fliter, Director of Government Relations at the Kansas Association of School Boards, presented as an opponent for her organization as well as the United School Administrators of Kansas. While supporting the desire of this bill to improve student civic education, she explained that there are many efforts already in place in Kansas schools to create students that are informed and engaged in democracy. This bill duplicates present efforts, and is in conflict with the jurisdiction of the Kansas State Board of Education's charge to craft curriculum. (Attachment 2)
Mark Desetti, of the Kansas National Education Association, also stood in opposition to the proposed legislation which imposes a high stakes test on every student in order to graduate. While he praised the obvious need to educate Americans as to our constitutional rights and obligations, he questioned why this noble effort is only aimed towards young people. He supports the right of the Legislature to make suggestions or pass resolutions that would call on the Board of Education to address certain issues, but believes this bill is an over reach of legislative power. (Attachment 3)
Written Opponent Testimony:
Nathan McAlister, High School Teacher in Topeka (Attachment 4)
Brent Yeager, Assistant Superintendent for Learning Services, Olathe Public Schools (Attachment 5)
Deena Horst and Ben Jones, Legislative Liaisons, Kansas State Board of Education (Attachment 6)
Proponent Verbal Testimony:
Derek Schmidt, Attorney General of Kansas, testified in support of HB2039, continuing his efforts from 2015 when he presented a similar proposal to the Kansas State Board of Education. He noted that while his efforts did not result in a graduation requirement, the discussion resulted in the creation of the Civic Advocacy Network. He shared that his involvement in being part of naturalization ceremonies has given him the opportunity to observe how much we demand of those who wish to become citizens. Those who are born to citizenship often do not fully understand or appreciate it. He shared with the Committee the 128 question Naturalization Test as administered by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. He shared the quote "the well-being of our body politic is best served by an informed, engaged citizenry that understands how and why our system of government works" and that "the country shortchanges the civic mission of its schools at its peril." (References for these quotes are in the attachment document.) The use of this specific test, the Naturalization test, is a ready way, Schmidt stated, to give the opportunity to offer the same standard for knowledge for those who are born into US citizenship and those who choose it. He urged the Committee to pass HB2039. (Attachment 7)
Nicholas Reinecker spoke in support of the bill by noting that he was, by testifying, engaged in his civic duty. As a parent and citizen, he was excited by every aspect of the Civics Test proposal. He felt honored to be part of the discussion. It is very timely, in light of recent events, to promote liberty and defend an individual's rights. (Attachment 8)
Carl Maughan, a lawyer and naturalized citizen of the United States, spoke in favor of this bill and noted that the level of education about the constitution, history and civic institutions is shockingly poor. He believes this bill is a small step, and passing the naturalization test represents the bare minimum knowledge that every citizen should have, but it is a start. He noted that we are in a time of division in our country, when disunity is nearing existential proportions. The baby steps of this bill would start to strengthen our common understanding of our history and the fundamental ideas that this nation is built on. (Attachment 9)
Matt Klusener, teacher at Valley Center, Kansas, testified uniquely from his phone as he wandered around his school. He was taping the segment and the entire hearing to share with his civics/government class. He shared that he is presently using the Citizenship Test in his teaching and has for many years. He has taught for 26 years in the public school system. He did state that students with IEP or SPED services should not be under the graduation requirement. However, he does support the test as a graduation requirement for other students. He closed by urging passage of the bill, because he believes the simplicity and nonpartisan nature of the test, allows teachers to teach and students to learn the fundamentals our government is based on. The Constitution guarantees diversity of thought and equal participation in our government in order for future generations to continue to live with the "Blessings of Liberty." (Attachment 10)
Chairperson Huebert asked Vice Chair Adam Thomas to chair the Committee while he gave testimony.
Representative Steve Huebert was the final proponent of the bill. He stated his passion for this legislation is based on his own experience as a high school student. He had a civics teacher that took an interest and mentored him. Huebert went to Boy's State and it was a life changing experience. He wants to light that fire in young people, and he acknowledged that a test is not the final step, or the only step, in connecting young people to the power of citizenship, but it is, like the multiplication tables, basic information that the journey is based on. He referred to Thomas Jefferson who believed people need education in order to keep democracy (which is fragile) safe and strong. Huebert mentioned the Kansas City Star article recently that described him as a lone wolf, but he noted that with the Attorney General and others, he is now part of a wolf pack, and he urged the Committee to join him in the protection that the gift of democracy and the constitution represent. He wants to work with the Kansas State Board of Education that has the charge to set standards; he argued that in this area the Legislature has a vested interest in ensuring that students are educated in Civic Engagement. He stressed that with the help of legislation, Civic Education can be highlighted and strengthened. (Attachment 11)
Chairperson Huebert took the Chair again, closed the hearing on HB2039 and adjourned the meeting at 2:58 p.m.
