THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY BROWNE, FONTANA, ERICKSON, KASUNIC, BOSCOLA, COSTA, ARGALL, FERLO AND KITCHEN, FEBRUARY 23, 2011

REFERRED TO EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 23, 2011  

A RESOLUTION

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study

the scope and quality of citizenship education in this

Commonwealth.

WHEREAS, In 2006, a McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum survey

observed that Americans are more aware of their favorite

television show than what is happening in the nation; and

WHEREAS, The number of young people voting and the knowledge

of their civil rights is rapidly declining every year; and

WHEREAS, This is a concern for many states, including this

Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, This Commonwealth needs to have a better

understanding of the civic education that our students are

receiving in school; and

WHEREAS, This Commonwealth needs to enhance young people's

knowledge of civics by engaging them in citizenship education

starting in elementary schools; and

WHEREAS, This Commonwealth needs to promote civic education

and engagement in civic activities in public, private and

parochial schools as provided under section 1605 of the Public

School Code of 1949; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate direct the Legislative Budget and

Finance Committee to conduct a study on the scope and quality of

citizenship education in this Commonwealth; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee

study at least all of the following:

(1)  The number of young people that vote in this

Commonwealth.

(2)  The types of civic education classes available in

schools and when they are available.

(3)  If there is a need for civic education classes

earlier in public, private and parochial schools' curricula.

(4)  If real life civics experiences are available in

private, public and parochial schools.

(5)  If public awareness of representative democracy is

needed;

and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee

study the scope and quality of citizenship education, gathering

information from public, private and parochial schools,

colleges, teachers and the Department of Education; and be it

further

RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee

provide the Senate with its funding and recommendations on how

this Commonwealth can increase citizenship education; and be it

further

RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee

report its findings and recommendations to the Senate no later

than one year after the adoption of this resolution.