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A new Indiana law signed this week by Gov. Eric Holcomb aims to elevate and reward civic engagement by high school students.
Under Senate Enrolled Act 211, the Indiana Department of Education will create a designation for excellence in civic engagement, which high school students can earn and put on their transcript.
The department will establish how students can earn the designation, through efforts like volunteering, project-based learning opportunities and successful completion of coursework.
Incoming high schoolers can start earning the designation beginning in fall 2025.
The new law comes just three years after legislation passed requiring middle school students to take a one-semester civics class in sixth, seventh or eighth grade. That legislation began in the 2023-24 school year.
Individual schools also can earn an excellence in civics education designation under the new law. Schools can qualify for the honor by showing a commitment to helping students understand the democratic process, civil society and constitutional government. These schools will also have a significant number of students who earned the civic engagement designation individually.
“We have remarkable students being taught in high-quality schools across Indiana. This Excellence in Civic Engagement designation will shine a spotlight on those who are participating in robust civic learning and engagement to improve Indiana’s civic health and be more knowledgeable in civics,” said Charles Dunlap, president and CEO of the Indiana Bar Foundation. “This legislation came from a lot of good work by many partners, and we’re excited to continue improving civic education across Indiana.”
State Reps. Chuck Goodrich, Elizabeth Rowray and Robert Behning and Sen. Jeff Raatz sponsored the legislation. Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner also supported it.
The Indiana Bar Foundation promotes civic involvement and education and will join the Indiana Civics Coalition in hosting the second annual Indiana Civics Summit on April 11 at the Ivy Tech Conference Center in Indianapolis. The summit works to bring awareness and collaboration to the outreach of civics across Indiana.
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