Bob Greenwald (“Civics lessons are important,” Our Readers’ Views, May 26) is right in calling for basic civics education in schools. In fact, thanks to the efforts of many, including the League of Women Voters of Washington, that requirement now exists. Beginning this school year, high school students must complete a stand-alone course in civics to graduate. The law also requires training for teachers to improve their ability to deliver meaningful coursework.
This smart development is the result of 2018 state legislation noting “effective civics education teaches students how to be active, informed and engaged citizens.”
With its mission to empower voters and defend democracy, the state League also published a textbook, “The State We’re In: Washington; Your guide to state, tribal and local government,” which has been endorsed by the Washington State Council for Social Studies and the Washington State Indian Education Association. It is available online at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction website.
One version is suitable for grades 3-5 and the other for middle school students and up. Both are available for free download at https://www.lwvwa.org/the-state-we-are-in on the League website. Hard copies may be purchased. More than 100 schools in the state, including many in Clark County, use the League textbooks.
