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Last updated on Thursday, January 12, 2017
(STATEHOUSE) - A bill authored by State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford) that requires Indiana high schools to offer an Indiana studies elective course passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development Wednesday.
Senate Bill 29 would require each school corporation to offer a course on Indiana studies at least once per year in its high school curriculum. The course would be designed to give students a look at history from an Indiana perspective.
"Today (Wednesday), only 11 of Indiana's 401 high schools offer Indiana Studies, with 159 students enrolled," Koch said. "The only requirement is that it be taught in fourth grade - a relatively young age."
This bill was amended in committee to allow schools the choice to offer the course as an independent study if less than 15 students enroll. If enacted, the course would be required to be offered starting with the 2018-2019 school year.
"Our recent Bicentennial Celebration has energized Hoosiers' interest in our history. States are more than mere administrative subdistricts of the federal government. Each has its own unique history and heritage, all of which combine to create the American experience," Koch said. "Understanding who we are and where we came from shapes well-rounded citizens of the Republic. The lessons of the past shed light on the decisions we as individuals and a society make today and in the future."
The bill passed unanimously through the committee and will now go to the full Senate for further consideration.
More information on SB 29 can be found at https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2017/bills/senate/29
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