Wisconsin Republicans are pushing for a stronger emphasis on civics education in schools, with Representative Amanda Nedweski and Senator Van Wanggaard introducing a bill that would mandate all public, charter, and private schools in the state’s parental choice program to include dedicated civics instruction in their curricula starting in the 2027-28 school year.
The bill outlines specific topics and goals aimed at reinforcing students’ understanding of their role in a democratic society. Among the requirements, students would learn about their shared rights and responsibilities as citizens, the founding principles of the United States, and the importance of civic participation at all levels of government. Additionally, the curriculum would teach students how to effectively advocate before government bodies and instill a sense of responsibility in preserving the nation’s constitutional freedoms.
A key component of the bill includes comparative instruction on other political systems, such as communism, socialism, and totalitarianism, with an emphasis on how they contrast with the principles of representative democracy and individual liberty. This element of the bill reflects growing concerns from conservatives about the lack of balance in political education and the need for students to understand global ideological differences.
To ensure compliance, the legislation mandates that all school boards, independent charter schools, and private choice schools report annually to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) on how they are meeting these civics education requirements. DPI, in turn, must compile and submit a report to the legislature.
Supporters argue that this measure is necessary to equip students with the knowledge and skills to engage in civic life. However, opponents raise concerns about increasing state mandates on local education decisions, particularly for private schools that value curriculum autonomy. Many of these schools already incorporate civics education into their social studies programs, making parts of the legislation redundant. The additional requirement to report to DPI is also seen as an unnecessary administrative burden, adding paperwork without necessarily improving student outcomes and taking more money out of the classroom.
The bill mandates extend to private schools who participate in Wisconsin school choice program. Private choice schools have seen an increasing amount of regulatory creep being proposed by both Democrats and Republicans in the State Legislature.
While well-intentioned, the bill highlights an ongoing debate over the balance between state oversight and local control in education. As the legislation moves forward, it is likely to spark discussions on whether additional mandates are the best approach to strengthening civics education in Wisconsin schools.
