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Dear Senator Hill,

I am writing to urge your support of Civic education assessment during this legislative session. As a social studies educator for the past 10 years, I have seen the impact of statewide assessment on social studies/ civic education.  Unfortunately, our students understanding of US history and the workings of our democratic government have been in a slow state of decline in the past 20 years.  It is our duty to ensure that all students have a working knowledge of our political process, an understanding of the history and have developed the skills to be positive contributors to the workings of this great nation.

As you are aware Senate Bill 1238 in a comprehensive bill addressing education with an emphasis on serving the needs of our students and teachers.  As a social studies professional, I urge you to support this bill as it specifically addresses the civic mission of public schools.  As a social studies educator and your constituent, I hope you will support both enactment and full funding of this critical education initiative.

Now is a critical time for Social Studies and Civic Education. I strongly urge you to support legislation that initiates statewide assessment of Social Studies/ Civic standards.  I understand that the House and Senate are grappling with many difficult financial choices. However, investment in said assessment(s) will aid to ensure the growth and prosperity of our democracy.  Currently,

•           At present, more than 2.6 million students are enrolled in grades K-12 at public schools across Florida. If national percentages are any guide, nearly 1.9 million of these children either reached or will reach the fourth (4th) grade without being able to identify the Constitution as the document that sets basic rules for the federal government. Another nearly 2.4 million have reached or will reach the twelfth (12th) grade without being able to explain two ways that citizen participation in the political process benefits our democratic society. Even Florida’s best and brightest high school civics students – those juniors and seniors enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History and U.S. Government and Politics courses – lag behind students in comparable states in their understanding of those subjects.

•           Eligible Floridians exercise their vote far less often than citizens in other states. According to a 2006 report, Florida ranked 39th in average voter turnout for the 2002 and 2004 general elections. 

•           For the November 2006 general election, turnout in Florida was a disappointing 46.8%. In September 2006, primary election turnout was an abysmal 19.6%.  Both figures were nearly 20% less than the historical average between 1954 and 2004.

Recently, Former Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham commented during a state broadcast radio interview on Civic education:

"The reality is if a subject is not tested on the FCAT, it is extremely vulnerable to be dropped from the curriculum. If it is not tested it's not taught.  It should be taught.  Should be tested."

I respectfully request that you and your fellow legislators support s1238 & h7151. 

I invite you to spend some time and review the recently released report “Enlisting a New Generation of Florida Citizens” released by Representative Lou Frey and Senator Bob Graham  and the upcoming report done by the Florida Association of Social Studies Supervisors in partnership with Stetson University on “Social Studies Instruction in the Elementary Grades.”  Your support of Civic Education legislation your respective house is greatly appreciated.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or email me.  I would be more than happy in discussing this matter with you.

Sincerely,

Theodore Banton

Social Studies Professional and member of the Florida Council for the Social Studies

904.825.4963

fcssted@bellsouth.net