Special Feature

February 28th, 2008

Civics Education Push in Public Schools
By Senator Mark Wyland

Everywhere we look, civic participation amongst students is non-existent. Polls prove that students are more interested in voting for the next American Idol than they are for President. That's why I introduced a Civics Education Package that will increase understanding of civics in public schools.

One of the bills would require students at elementary and secondary schools to recite the Pledge of Allegiance everyday as part of their patriotic exercises. Current law requires students to participate in a daily patriotic exercise and while the Pledge satisfies this requirement, existing law does not specify what that exercise must be. The bill also requires that upon finishing 3rd grade, students will have memorized the Pledge of Allegiance and the United States National Anthem.

We can no longer allow students to graduate without a basic understanding of American history and government, or most importantly, what it means to be an American.

If you would like to get a message to Senator Mark Wyland, contact his San Diego County District office at:

Senator Mark Wyland
1910 Palomar Point Way, Suite 105
Carlsbad, California 92008
760.931.2455 Office
email:
senator.wyland@sen.ca.gov