53A-13-109 - Civic and Character Education -- Definitions -- Legislative finding -- Elements.
53A-13-109. Civic and Character Education -- Definitions -- Legislative finding --Elements.
(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Character Education" means reaffirming values and qualities of character whichpromote an upright and desirable citizenry.
(b) "Civic Education" means the cultivation of informed, responsible participation inpolitical life by competent citizens committed to the fundamental values and principles ofrepresentative democracy in Utah and the United States.
(c) "Values" means time-established principles or standards of worth.
(2) The Legislature recognizes that:
(a) Civic and Character Education are fundamental elements of the public educationsystem's core mission as originally intended and established under Article X of the UtahConstitution;
(b) Civic and Character Education are fundamental elements of the constitutionalresponsibility of public education and shall be a continuing emphasis and focus in public schools;
(c) the cultivation of a continuing understanding and appreciation of representativedemocracy in Utah and the United States among succeeding generations of educated andresponsible citizens is important to the nation and state;
(d) the primary responsibility for the education of children within the state resides withtheir parents or guardians and that the role of state and local governments is to support and assistparents in fulfilling that responsibility;
(e) public schools fulfill a vital purpose in the preparation of succeeding generations ofinformed and responsible citizens who are deeply attached to essential democratic values andinstitutions; and
(f) the happiness and security of American society relies upon the public virtue of itscitizens which requires a united commitment to a moral social order where self-interests arewillingly subordinated to the greater common good.
(3) Through an integrated curriculum, students shall be taught in connection with regularschool work:
(a) honesty, integrity, morality, civility, duty, honor, service, and obedience to law;
(b) respect for and an understanding of the Declaration of Independence and theConstitutions of the United States and of the State of Utah;
(c) Utah history, including territorial and preterritorial development to the present;
(d) the essentials and benefits of the free enterprise system;
(e) respect for parents, home, and family;
(f) the dignity and necessity of honest labor; and
(g) other skills, habits, and qualities of character which will promote an upright anddesirable citizenry and better prepare students to recognize and accept responsibility forpreserving and defending the blessings of liberty inherited from prior generations and secured bythe constitution.
(4) Local school boards and school administrators may provide training, direction, andencouragement, as needed, to accomplish the intent and requirements of this section and toeffectively emphasize Civic and Character Education in the course of regular instruction in thepublic schools.
(5) Civic and Character Education in public schools are:
(a) not intended to be separate programs in need of special funding or added specialiststo be accomplished; and
(b) core principles which reflect the shared values of the citizens of Utah and thefounding principles upon which representative democracy in the United States and the state ofUtah are based.
Enacted by Chapter 196, 2004 General Session