Amends TCA Title 49.

Current law requires the state board of education ("state board") to include in the social studies standards, at the appropriate grade levels in high school, as determined by the state board through standards and the local board of education ("local board") through curriculum, courses and content designed to educate children about the United States and Tennessee governments. The standards must include (i) the three branches of government, (ii) the fundamental documents that underpin our form of government, (iii) an understanding of how laws are enacted, and (iv) ways citizens shape and influence government and governmental actions.<br /> <br /> ACADEMIC STANDARDS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EIGHTH GRADE<br /> <br /> This bill requires the department of education ("department") to recommend academic standards for a year-long course in civics education for students in eighth grade to the state board for adoption. The state board must adopt academic standards for a year-long course in civics education for students in eighth grade, which must be available for implementation beginning with the 2024-2025 school year.<br /> <br /> This bill requires that the standards be designed to educate students about the United States and Tennessee governments and meet the four standards described for high school above.<br /> <br /> APPLICABILITY TO LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCIES AND CHARTER SCHOOLS<br /> <br /> This bill requires local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools that serve students in eighth grade to implement the year-long course in civics education for students in eighth grade beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. The curriculum, content, and instruction selected or provided by an LEA or public charter school as part of the year-long course in civics education required for students in eighth grade must be designed to educate students about the United States and Tennessee governments and include the four standards for high school described above.<br /> <br /> The bill must also meet the requirements relative to state law requiring students to be taught about the formation of the governments of the United States and Tennessee using federal and state foundational documents and the significance and relevance of those documents today.<br />