News Release

November 11, 2019

COMMISSIONER EMPHASIZES CIVICS ON VETERANS DAY

Every year Veterans Day provides an opportunity for Americans to honor the men and women who have served in our armed forces. There are parades and assemblies throughout the country and in communities across Nebraska.  While these events provide a worthy outlet to show veterans our gratitude and respect, there are simple ways we can honor veterans every day.

One of the ways we can honor veterans and our country is through civic understanding and participation. The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) is continually working to prepare students to be college, career, and civic ready. Recently the NDE worked with state legislators on legislative bill 399 or the amendment to the Americanism Law.  Part of the changes include requirements for students to show their civic understanding through coursework, assessment, or participation in government. The law also requires school boards to meet regularly through a committee to ensure quality civic education within a district.

This month the Nebraska State Board of Education voted to approve the state’s new social studies standards. The revisions outline the expectations for what students will learn in civics, economics, geography, U.S. history, and world history for grades K-12 in order to be college, career, and civic ready upon high school graduation. The updated standards provide greater depth and came to fruition through the hard work and input of Nebraska teachers and Nebraska stakeholders.

Another way to honor veterans and engage in civics is through the Pledge of Allegiance.  State law requires schools to set aside a time daily to lead students in the Pledge. Saying the Pledge is voluntary, another important civics lesson. Students may choose not to participate and silently stand or remain seated but are required to respect the rights of those who elect to participate.

There are many ways to honor our veterans every day and we thank them for their service to our country.

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David Jespersen
Public Information Officer, Nebraska Department of Education
402-471-4537
david.jespersen@nebraska.gov
@NDE_News