Gov. DeSantis touts Florida’s improvement in civics education

SANFORD, Fla. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis says the state is improving the way civics are taught in schools.

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He stopped by Crooms Academy of Information Technology in Sanford Friday to elaborate on the progress they’re making.

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DeSantis released the results of Florida’s 2022 civics assessments, which he says were much better than they have been in recent years.

“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 said.

At a Florida State Board of Education meeting last summer, DeSantis criticized the state of civics education nationally.

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He reiterated Thursday how he it’s frightening to him how many people don’t understand basic civic concepts, like the purpose of the Bill of Rights

DeSantis also pointed to a survey that found 72-percent of Americans don’t know which states made up the original 13 colonies. However, he says updated civics curriculum tests and standards, among other things, are turning things around quickly.

“Almost 70-percent are passing our civics exam now,” DeSantis said. “That’s not nearly good enough, but that’s much better than I would say people would expect.”

DeSantis also announced Thursday that the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative will expand to include all school districts in the state for the upcoming school year. He also promised more than 2,000 Florida teachers will undergo three-day civics professional development training by the end of July.

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“A strong civics education is foundational to the American experience,” Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. said. “Today’s scores highlight the improvements our students have made in becoming more informed and involved citizens.”

DeSantis says the state has more than $1 million in funding for the next fiscal year to continue to improve civics education.

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