Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday detailed increased scores from students taking Florida’s 2022 civics assessments.
The test teaches “the history of our country, the exceptional nature of our form of government, and the role they play as citizens of our republic,” according to the governor’s office.
According to the result, three-quarters of students across the state scored “at or above Level 3” in the assessment, a five-point jump from the previous year.
At the same time, the state witnessed improved performance in U.S. History end-of-course (EOC) exams.
“While the Biden administration is seeking to award grants to indoctrinate students with ideologies like Critical Race Theory, in Florida we have focused on Civics Excellence, teaching accurate American History without an ideological agenda,” said DeSantis. “Our students and teachers have worked hard to elevate their Civics Excellence and are proving to the nation that Florida is the national model for cultivating great citizens.”
DeSantis also detailed that the state will attribute $1 million to the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative—double the investment from the previous year. Eventually, the governor is looking to expand involvement to every school district.
“A strong civics education is foundational to the American experience,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Today’s scores highlight the improvements our students have made in becoming more informed and involved citizens. Thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis and our talented educators, Florida’s next generation will enter adulthood with the confidence and knowledge necessary to fully participate in our system of government.”
In order to improve the state’s civics education, leaders will also host pieces of training for teachers. If an instructor receives the “Civics Seal of Excellence,” they are entitled to a $3,000 bonus.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Florida Capital Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Ron DeSantis” by Ron DeSantis.
