Georgia creates Civics Education Commission to improve K-12 civics curriculum

Proclaiming October “Civics Awareness Month” in Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp announced the members of the newly created Georgia Commision on Civics Education.

The group is tasked with promoting the…

Proclaiming October “Civics Awareness Month” in Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp announced the members of the newly created Georgia Commision on Civics Education.

The group is tasked with promoting the study of state and local government, civic engagement and public service for K-12 students. 

The commission was formed as part of the Georgia Civics Renewal Act, which Kemp signed into law last April.

The 17–member commission will review the needs, issues and problems related to civics education in Georgia schools, and provide an annual report to the state legislature. The group also may recommend actions or new legislation to further civics education.

State Rep. Wes Cantrell, a member of the commission, says the group’s work will improve K-12 civics curriculum, and is a big win for Georgia students.

“The research clearly shows that civics education in our schools had not been given the priority that it has in previous years,” Cantrell told The Lion. “There has been a rising concern that Georgia needs to promote and enhance the education of our students on the importance of civic involvement.”

Commission members include legislators, educators, public office holders and Chamber of Commerce representatives.

In his statement declaring Civics Awareness Month, Kemp called it a time “to highlight the importance of teaching our next generation about the proud history and government structure of Georgia and the United States of America.”

“We hope to raise up a generation of Georgia students who understand how state and local government is supposed to work and recognize the importance of civic engagement and public service,” Cantrell added. “There is a tendency in today’s culture to complain about the state of government without the commitment to being a part of the solution.

“We want young Georgians to be active in solving problems, as opposed to just complaining about them.”