What Are Vermont Bills S. 17 and H.216

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Vermont S.17 if enacted, would require all high school students to pass a civics course for high school graduation. Some of the content embedded in this course includes constitutional rights, governing philosophies, and the structure of the U.S. government. If enacted, not only will students understand the fundamental governing systems of the United States, but also provide their own understanding, and perspective on the subject matter. The designation of the bill expands existing civic course subject matter and requires students to have proficiency within the course. S.17 was first introduced to the Senate on January 13th, 2021. Currently, it was last reviewed by the Senate education committee on March 30th, 2021 and does not have a fiscal bill attached to it yet.

Vermont H.216 focuses on a similar goal to Vermont S.17, enabling a requirement for public high school students to demonstrate proficiency in civics as a condition of graduation. This demonstrated proficiency is outlined in three different categories. This is achieved through being awarded a passing grade in a civics class; being awarded a passing grade in a civics test, and or completing an approved civics-related project that is presented to an academic panel or volunteers. By displaying this proficiency, stakeholders hope that high school students will be able to understand and apply basic civil principles. Particularly on the subjects of citizenship and its participation. In both Vermont H.216 and Vermont S.17, the targeted audience focuses on students grades 9-12 in public schools and career technical centers. Vermont H.216 was first introduced on February 9th, 2021, and does not have a fiscal bill attached to it yet. The latest action to this bill was it being referred to the House education committee. Public approval was even made on points in the bill by Vermont constituents. Singularly with the idea of a civics test that would be given out, similar to that given by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service for naturalized citizens.