According to retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, “Only one-third of Americans can name the three branches of government, but two-thirds can name a judge on American Idol.” Shocked by these type statistics, four years ago U.S. Representative Lou Frey and former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator, Bob Graham initiated the Sandra Day O’Connor Civics Education Act bills (SB 1096, HB 105). The Florida bill has recently passed the state house and is headed to the state senate. The bill will require that 7th graders complete a civics course and 8th graders must pass a civics test to be promoted to high school. Additionally, “civics” related content must be taught on all grade levels. Education is fundamental to understanding and protecting our rights as citizens, and TWW applauds this legislation and the knowledge it provides.
To visit Justice O’Connor’s civics website: http://www.ourcourts.org/default.php
