Civics Education: Idaho Press Club Awards Entry, Public Affairs Campaign

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Phil Hardy, Brian CroninIdaho Press Club Awards | Public Relations Division | Public Affairs Campaign

Civics Education

Executive Summary

THE CHALLENGE

A September 2014 poll found that just 36% of American adults could name all three branches of the U.S. government, and 35% couldn’t name a single one. In contrast, 91% of immigrants applying for U.S. citizen-ship pass the exam, which includes up to 10 questions out of a bank of 100.Based on the premise that it’s difficult to be a good citizen if you don’t understand how the government works, the Joe Foss Institute created the Civics Education Initiative, a nationwide effort to require high school students to take and pass a civics exam in order to graduate. The exam would be based on the one that all new immigrants must take to become U.S. citizens. The Civics Education Initiative tasked Strategies 360 with providing public relations services in support of legislation aimed at passing a bill to that effect in Idaho.

THE STRATEGY

Strategies 360’s job was to explain the premise and parameters of the bill to media, editorial board mem-bers, concerned citizens, and legislators. It was critical that audience targets understood that this wasn’t yet another high-stakes test. In fact, the bill allowed students to take the exam at any point starting in ninth grade, and students needed to get just 60% of the answers right in order to pass. Strategies 360 engaged editorial board members, citizens, and legislators to consider and speak out on the bill. We drafted and distributed press releases to media as the bill progressed through the Legislature, wrote an opinion piece on behalf of Senator Jim Patrick (the bill’s first sponsor), and lined up interviews for the bill’s sponsors with print and television reporters and radio personalities.

THE SUCCESS

As positive media coverage grew, so did legislative support for SB1071a. When the bill was finally signed into law in April, 27 sponsors had signed on to the bill. We estimate that the issue saw more than 75 media hits statewide on television, radio, and in print (including opinion pieces and editorials).

Press Releases FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 9, 2015 Contact: Phil Hardy/[email protected]

SENATOR JIM PATRICK TO SPONSOR CIVICS EDUCATION INITIATIVE Bill Mandates High School Students Pass Same Test New Citizens Must Pass

(Boise)—Today, Sen. Jim Patrick (R-Twin Falls) announced he would sponsor a civics education bill in the Senate Education Committee that would require all Idaho high school students to pass before graduating high school. The test features questions such as, ‘Who was president during World War II’ and ‘Name one branch or part of the government” and is currently administered to applicants for US citizenship by the US Citizen and Immigration Service.

Support for the initiative has wide popular support. Earlier this month USA Today, which supports such legisla-tion, reports that 97.5% of prospective Americans pass the test while a 2012 study by Xavier University indicated one in three native born Americans fails the test. Worse, USA Today cited another poll, conducted by Fusion that indicated that 77% of citizens aged 18-34 could not name even one of their own US Senators.

“American civics is the backbone of understanding what it means to be an American citizen. How do our young people know where we are going if they do not know where we have been?” said Sen. Jim Patrick. “It is a shame that in states like Arizona only 4% of students were previously able to pass this test, but I believe in Idaho our kids will do better and we will help them do better.”

The Civics Education Initiative was formed by the Civics Education Advisory Board and the Joss Foss Foun-dation, named for Medal of Honor winning General Joseph Foss. Today the Advisory Board consists of Pulit-zer-Prize winning journalist and author Carl Bernstein and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

This year similar laws have passed in Arizona and North Dakota with legislation before another 19 states includ-ing Idaho. Students can take the test as many times as needed in order to pass. First time takers of the test can pass with a 60% score and thereafter with a 70% score. Students may take the test starting in 7th grade. Further information can be found at www.civicseducationinitiative.com.

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March 4, 2105 Contact: Phil Hardy/208-340-8232 [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CIVICS EDUCATION INITIATIVE SENATE BILL 1071 ADVANCES

(Boise)—Today, the Idaho Senate approved an amendment and advanced S1071 to the full Senate for a vote next week. The bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Jim Patrick (R-Twin Falls) and Senate Education Chairman Dean Mortimer (R-Idaho Falls) would make it a requirement for Idaho schools to administer a test that all Idaho high school students must pass before graduating high school. Tests feature questions such as, “Who was president during World War II?” and “Name one branch or part of the government” and will be based on what is currently administered to applicants for US citizenship by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Support for the initiative has broad popular support. Earlier this month, USA Today, whose editorial page supports such legislation, reported that 97.5% of prospective Americans pass the civics test while a 2012 study by Xavier University indicated only 65% of native born Americans answer half or more questions correctly. Worse, USA Today cited another poll, conducted by Fusion that indicated that 77% of citizens aged 18-34 could not name even one of their own US senators. “Civics is at the heart of understanding what it means to be an American. How can our young people become engaged and active citizens if they do not understand our history, our political traditions, and our system of government?” said bill sponsor Sen. Jim Patrick. “Evidence has shown that too many American kids don’t have a basic command of foundational civics, but I believe in Idaho our kids will do better and we will help them do better.” Ada County Deputy Clerk Phil McGrane, who has spoken out against falling voter participation, also spoke in favor of the bill saying, “Most people believe that as voters age, they participate more. Unfortunately, that doesn’t hold true. The trends and data on voter participation show a clear and steady decline in civic engagement by generation. It’s resulted in record low voter participation. If we want future generations to be engaged, they need to understand not only how to vote, but how their government works. I fully support S1071 as a tool for reinvigorating civic engagement among future generations.”

The Civics Education Initiative was formed by the Civics Education Advisory Board and the Joss Foss Foundation, named for Medal of Honor winning General Joseph Foss. Today the Advisory Board consists of Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist and author Carl Bernstein, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and others. This year similar laws have passed in Arizona and North Dakota, with legislation currently being considered by another 19 states, including Idaho. Further information can be found at www.civicseducationinitiative.com. Senate Bill 1071 could expect a vote before the full Idaho Senate as early as next week.

Following is a list of the bill’s sponsors and co-sponsors: Sponsor: Senator Jim Patrick Co-Sponsors: Senator Dean Mortimer Senator Chuck Winder Senator Marv Hagedorn Senator Steve Vick Senator Mary Souza Senator Sherry Nuxoll Rep. Terry Gestrin Rep. Mike Moyle Rep. Brent Crane Rep. Paul Shepherd Rep. Ilana Rubel Rep. Ron Nate Rep. Jeff Thompson Rep. Steve Harris Rep. Judy Boyle Rep. Rich Wills Rep. Clark Kauffman Rep. Steve Hartgen Rep. Ryan Kerby Rep. Ron Mendive Rep. Steve Harris Rep. Heather Scott Rep. Don Cheatham

# # #



CIVICS EDUCATION INITIATIVE SENATE BILL 1071 PASSES BY WIDE MARGIN Bill Now Moves to Idaho House for Consideration

(Boise)—Today, in a bi-partisan show of support, the Idaho Senate voted 29-6 to pass S1071. The bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Jim Patrick (R-Twin Falls) and Senate Education Chairman Dean Mortimer (R-Idaho Falls) would make it a requirement for Idaho schools to administer a test that all Idaho high school students must pass before graduating high school. Tests feature questions such as, “Who was president during World War II?” and “Name one branch or part of the government” and will be based on what is currently administered to applicants for US citizenship by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Support for the initiative has broad popular support. Earlier this month, USA Today, whose editorial page supports such legislation, reported that 97.5% of prospective Americans pass the civics test while a 2012 study by Xavier University indicated only 65% of native born Americans answer half or more questions correctly. Worse, USA Today cited another poll, conducted by Fusion that indicated that 77% of citizens aged 18-34 could not name even one of their own US senators. “I am gratified by the strong breadth of support our vote had today, from both sides of the aisle. As I have said, civics is at the heart of understanding what it means to be an American,” said bill sponsor Sen. Jim Patrick. “Evidence has shown that too many American kids don’t have a basic command of foundational civics, but I believe in Idaho our kids will do better and we will help them do better.” Ada County Deputy Clerk Phil McGrane, who has spoken out against falling voter participation, also spoke in favor of the bill saying, “Most people believe that as voters age, they participate more. Unfortunately, that doesn’t hold true. The trends and data on voter participation show a clear and steady decline in civic engagement by generation. It’s resulted in record low voter participation. If we want future generations to be engaged, they need to understand not only how to vote, but how their government works. I fully support S1071 as a tool for reinvigorating civic engagement among future generations.”

The Civics Education Initiative is a program of the Joe Foss Institute, named for Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, General Joseph Foss. National and State Co-Chairs of the effort include former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Pulitzer-prize winning author Carl Bernstein, along with more than a dozen former Governors and U.S. Senators. This year similar laws have passed in Arizona and North Dakota, with legislation currently being considered by another 19 states, including Idaho. Further information can be found at www.civicseducationinitiative.com.

Following is a list of the bill’s sponsors and co-sponsors: Sponsor: Senator Jim Patrick Co-Sponsors: Senator Dean Mortimer Senator Chuck Winder Senator Marv Hagedorn Senator Steve Vick Senator Mary Souza Senator Sherry Nuxoll Rep. Terry Gestrin Rep. Mike Moyle Rep. Brent Crane Rep. Paul Shepherd Rep. Ilana Rubel Rep. Ron Nate Rep. Jeff Thompson Rep. Steve Harris Rep. Judy Boyle Rep. Rich Wills Rep. Clark Kauffman Rep. Steve Hartgen Rep. Ryan Kerby Rep. Ron Mendive Rep. Steve Harris Rep. Heather Scott Rep. Don Cheatham

# # #



CIVICS EDUCATION INITIATIVE SENATE BILL 1071a ADVANCES House Education Committee Passes Bill Unanimously

(Boise)—Today, in a bi-partisan show of support, the Idaho House Education Committee voted unanimously to pass S1071a to the full House for a vote next week. The bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Ilana Rubel (D-Boise) and Rep. Terry Gestrin (R-Donnelly) would make it a requirement for Idaho schools to administer a test that all Idaho high school students must pass before graduating high school. Tests feature questions such as, “Who was president during World War II?” and “Name one branch or part of the government” and will be based on what is currently administered to applicants for US citizenship by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The bill passed the Senate earlier this month. Support for the initiative has broad popular support. Earlier this month, USA Today, whose editorial page supports such legislation, reported that 97.5% of prospective Americans pass the civics test while a 2012 study by Xavier University indicated only 65% of native born Americans answer half or more questions correctly. Worse, USA Today cited another poll, conducted by Fusion that indicated that 77% of citizens aged 18-34 could not name even one of their own US senators. “It’s critical that students grow up understanding our Constitution, our system of government, and the importance of participation in that system,” said bill co-sponsor Rep. Ilana Rubel. “Civics is my passion—I’ve been volunteer-teaching classes on the Constitution to school kids for years. There is a threshold level of knowledge that all citizens should have to keep our democracy functioning properly, and I hope this bill will bring us to that level in Idaho.” Ada County Deputy Clerk Phil McGrane, who has spoken out against falling voter participation, also spoke in favor of the bill saying, “In Idaho, only 7.8% of 18-20 year olds turned out to vote last year. If we want future generations to be engaged, they need to understand not only how to vote, but how their government works. I fully support S1071a as a tool for reinvigorating civic engagement among future generations.” Jonathan Parker, Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs at Holland & Hart and lobbyist working in favor of the bill on behalf of the Joe Foss Institute noted, “I’ve never been more proud to represent a piece of legislation than I am of this bill. As a passionate participant in the legislative process, I get a front-row look at how citizen engagement can impact public policy. It’s critical that young people continue to understand how our government works and how their participation will shape the future of our public policy.” The Civics Education Initiative is a program of the Joe Foss Institute, named for Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, General Joseph Foss. National and State Co-Chairs of the effort include former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Pulitzer-prize winning author Carl Bernstein, and award-winning actor Joe Mantegna, along with more than a dozen former Governors and U.S. Senators. This year similar laws have passed in Arizona and North Dakota, with legislation currently being considered by another 19 states, including Idaho. Further information can be found at www.civicseducationinitiative.com.

The bill will now advance to the full House for a vote. Following is a list of the bill’s sponsors and co-sponsors: Sponsor: Senator Jim Patrick ¬¬Co-Sponsors: Senator Sheryl Nuxoll Senator Mary Souza Senator Chuck Winder Senator Marv Hagedorn Senator Dean Mortimer Senator Steve Vick Representative Mike Moyle Representative Brent Crane Representative Paul Shepherd Representative Ilana Rubel Representative Ronald Nate Representative Jeff Thompson Representative Steven Harris Representative Judy Boyle Representative Richard Wills Representative Clark Kauffman Representative Stephen Hartgen Representative Ryan Kerby Representative Ron Mendive Representative Terry Gestrin Representative Heather Scott Representative Don Cheatham Representative Sage Dixon Representative Steven Miller Representative Reed DeMordaunt Representative Lance Clow

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CIVICS EDUCATION INITIATIVE BILL PASSES HOUSE S1071aa Now Heads to Governor Otter’s Desk

(Boise)—Today, the Idaho House of Representatives passed S1071a, the Civics Education Bill by a vote of 59-10. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jim Patrick (R-Twin Falls) and carried in the House by Rep. Terry Gestrin (R-Donnelly) and co-sponsored by Rep. Ilana Rubel (D-Boise), among others would make it a requirement for Idaho schools to administer a test that all Idaho students must pass before graduating high school. Tests feature questions such as, “What are the first ten amendments to the US Constitution called?” and “Who won the Civil War?” and will be based on what is currently administered to applicants for US citizenship by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The bill passed the Senate earlier this month. The bill now goes to the governor’s office. “I am gratified this important piece of legislation was so widely supported in both chambers of the Legislature,” said Senator Patrick. “I am also thankful for all the calls in support of this bill that I have received. As voter participation continues to fall we often hear the words, ‘something must be done’; this is something. It’s a start, a beginning of what can hopefully bring our young people back into the political process. I hope students bring the test home to their parents so that families can take it together and talk about the meaning behind these questions.” Rep. Terry Gestrin, who carried the bill on the House floor, referred to his own forefathers, who immigrated to America from Finland, who needed to learn about their new country and were proud to do so, “This test, part of what it takes to become an American is just a small start at turning the corner for civics in our state, but it is a good corner to turn for the benefit of all students in becoming better Americans.” Support for the initiative has broad popular support. Earlier this month, USA Today, whose editorial page supports such legislation, reported that 97.5% of prospective Americans pass the civics test while a 2012 study by Xavier University indicated only 65% of native born Americans answer half or more questions correctly. Worse, USA Today cited another poll, conducted by Fusion that indicated that 77% of citizens aged 18-34 could not name even one of their own US senators. “It’s critical that students grow up understanding our Constitution, our system of government, and the importance of participation in that system,” said bill co-sponsor Rep. Ilana Rubel. “Civics is my passion - I’ve been volunteer-teaching classes on the Constitution to school kids for years. There is a threshold level of knowledge that all citizens should have to keep our democracy functioning properly, and I hope this bill will bring us to that level in Idaho.” Ada County Deputy Clerk Phil McGrane, who has spoken out against falling voter participation, also spoke in favor of the bill saying, “In Idaho, only 7.8% of 18-20 year olds turned out to vote last year. If we want future generations to be engaged, they need to understand not only how to vote, but how their government works. I fully support S1071a as a tool for reinvigorating civic engagement among future generations.”

Jonathan Parker, Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs at Holland & Hart and lobbyist working in favor of the bill on behalf of the Joe Foss Institute noted, “I’ve never been more proud to represent a piece

of legislation than I am of this bill. As a passionate participant in the legislative process, I get a front-row look at how citizen engagement can impact public policy. It’s critical that young people continue to understand how our government works and how their participation will shape the future of our public policy.” The Civics Education Initiative is a program of the Joe Foss Institute, named for Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, General Joseph Foss. National and State Co-Chairs of the effort include former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Pulitzer-prize winning author Carl Bernstein, along with more than a dozen former Governors and U.S. Senators. This year similar laws have passed in Arizona and North Dakota; with legislation currently being considered by another 19 states. Further information can be found at www.civicseducationinitiative.com.

# # #

Idaho senator to introduce mandatory civics test bill

Idaho senator to introduce mandatory civics test bill

Kelcie Moseley

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Coverage Examples

(HTTP://WWW.IDAHOEDNEWS.ORG)Idaho's source for education news

SENATOR WANTS CIVICS TEST AS GRADUATION REQUIREMENT

CLARK CORBIN (HTTP://WWW.IDAHOEDNEWS.ORG/AUTHOR/CLARK-CORBIN/) (HTTPS://PLUS.GOOGLE.COM/109629607457019923586/) /

FEBRUARY 11, 2015 (HTTP://WWW.IDAHOEDNEWS.ORG/2015/02/11/)

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Sen. Jim Patrick, R-Twin

Falls


Quick civics quiz: When was the U.S. Constitution drafted?

What are three powers of government?

How many justices sit on the U.S. Supreme Court?

A Twin Falls legislator wants Idaho high school students to be able to answer those questions and others like it as a graduation

requirement.

The Senate Education Committee Wednesday introduced a new bill to require Idaho high school students pass a 100-question civics test.

For the class of 2017, that would mean students must score 60 percent or better. After that, the threshold jumps to 70 percent.

“The man on the street, obviously, most of the time doesn’t know, probably when the Constitution was written,” said Sen. Jim Patrick, the

bill’s sponsor. “It’s a way to encourage civics.”

Patrick, by the way, didn’t know the answer to his man-on-the-street question either. He told committee members that the Constitution

was drafted in 1787 – a fact that he admitted to looking up before presenting his bill.

The civics test would contain questions from the test administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for naturalization

(http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Office%20of%20Citizenship/Citizenship%20Resource%20Center%20Site/Publications/100q.pdf). That test is slightly

different, though. Citizenship officers ask just 10 questions from the 100-question bank, with candidates required to answer just six correctly.

Under Patrick’s bill, high school students could take the test in one sitting or in several pieces. Students would also be eligible to take the test any time after enrolling in

seventh grade, meaning they would essentially have six years to pass.

The committee voted quickly to introduce the bill without any debate. It is expected to return to the committee for a full hearing.

In other Senate Education news:

New anti-SBAC bill. Two legislators teamed up to try a different approach to allowing Idaho students to opt out of Common Core-aligned Smarter Balanced tests.

Sen. Steven Thayn, R-Emmett, and Rep. Steven Harris, R-Meridian, are pushing a bill to allow students to take an alternate assessment that would satisfy graduation

requirements. Thayn and Harris did not mention the state’s ISAT by Smarter Balanced test by name during the introductory hearing, but the legislation makes the

intent pretty clear.

The bill reads, in part, “If any such requirement includes the passage of a standards achievement test, then the student, with parental or guardian approval, may, in

lieu, of such test, chose an alternate route…”

Said Thayn: “There is some concern about the students’ ability to perform well on lengthy, high-stakes tests. Some parents are concerned

about their child’s emotional well-being. Some would like an alternative path, and don’t feel like a standardized test measures student

competency in achievement.”

By rule, alternative assessments are already available and given in Idaho, but such tests are typically given to

students who have special needs or cannot complete the full ISAT.

State superintendent Sherri Ybarra has already said Idaho’s waiver from the No Child Left Behind Act requires

Idaho to administer the ISAT by Smarter Balanced test this year. She said any school that does not test 95

percent of its students would be downgraded on annual achievement and accountability reports.cdn.com/wp-

content/uploads/2015/01/Thayn64.jpg)

Sen. Steven Thayn, R-

Emmett(http://idahoednews.wpengine.netdna-

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content/uploads/2015/01/Harris2087.jpg)

Rep. Steven Harris, R-

Meridian


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Sen. Mary Souza, R-

Coeur d’Alene

percent of its students would be downgraded on annual achievement and accountability reports.

Additionally, Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking, D-Boise, repeated concerns that not testing students could result in a

loss of federal funds.

Harris and Thayn said they did not know the answer to Ward-Engelking’s question.

During debate over the future of the Idaho Education Network broadband contract mess

(http://www.idahoednews.org/news/final-ruling-judge-tosses-out-broadband-contract/#.VNvxvxOdxVI), state

officials have said that anywhere between $620,000 and $245 million could be jeopardized if Idaho does not

fulfill testing requirements.

Earlier this session, freshman Rep. Ron Nate, R-Rexburg, introduced a bill

(http://www.idahoednews.org/news/anti-sbac-bill-surfaces/#.VNvxnxOdxVI) that urged Ybarra to “immediately” begin pulling Idaho out of the Smarter Balanced

Assessment Consortium. Nate’s bill would also prevent any student from having to answer SBAC questions as a graduation requirement. However, Nate went around

the House and Senate education committees and introduced his legislation as a personal bill. House Speaker Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, then referred Nate’s bill to the

House Ways and Means Committee, which has only met a single time this session – on Jan. 14.

Sunshine reports. Freshman Sen. Mary Souza, R-Coeur d’Alene, introduced a bill to require school board candidates to file campaign finance reports – just like

candidates for other offices.

Souza testified that Idaho is one of only three states – joining Alaska and North Dakota – that does require school board candidates to

disclose campaign contributions and other related information.

“This bill offers transparency,” Souza told lawmakers.

Senate Education quickly voted to introduce her bill.

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Ťħǿųģħ ŀǿťș ǿf șěňǻťǿřș ħǻđ qųěșťįǿňș ǻbǿųť įť, ťħě Șěňǻťě ħǻș vǿťěđ 29-6 įň fǻvǿř ǿfȘB 1071ǻ, Șěň. Jįm Pǻťřįčķ’ș bįŀŀ ťǿ řěqųįřě șťųđěňťș ťǿ pǻșș ǻ čįvįčș ťěșť ťǿ ģřǻđųǻťěfřǿm ħįģħ șčħǿǿŀ; ỳǿų čǻň řěǻđ mỳ fųŀŀ șťǿřỳ ħěřě ǻť șpǿķěșmǻň.čǿm ǻňđ ǻŀșǿ șěě įfỳǿų čǻň pǻșș ťħě ťěșť. Ťħě bįŀŀ ħǻș 21 čǿ-șpǿňșǿřș fřǿm bǿťħ pǻřťįěș; ťħě įđěǻ běħįňđįť įș ťǿ mǻķě șųřě șťųđěňťș ŀěǻřň ťħě șǻmě bǻșįč ķňǿẅŀěđģě ǿf Ǻměřįčǻň čįvįčș ťħǻťňěẅ įmmįģřǻňťș mųșť đěmǿňșťřǻťě ťǿ běčǿmě Ǻměřįčǻň čįťįżěňș.

“İf ỳǿų ģřǻđųǻťě fřǿm ħįģħ șčħǿǿŀ ẅįťħǿųť běįňģ ǻbŀě ťǿ ňǻmě ǻňỳ ẅǻř fǿųģħť įň ťħě1900ș ǿř běįňģ ǻbŀě ťǿ ňǻmě ǻňỳ Ňǻťįvě Ǻměřįčǻň İňđįǻň ťřįbě șǿměťħįňģ įș ẅřǿňģ,”Pǻťřįčķ șǻįđ. “Ťħįș įș ňǿť ǻ ħǻřđ ťěșť.”

Ťħě bįŀŀ ħǻș běěň ǻměňđěđ ťǿ ǻŀŀǿẅ ťħě șťǻťě Bǿǻřđ ǿf Ěđųčǻťįǿň ťǿ mǻķě řųŀěșřěģǻřđįňģ ťħě ťěșťįňģ, ǻňđ ťǿ ǻŀŀǿẅ ŀǿčǻŀ șčħǿǿŀ bǿǻřđș ťǿ đěčįđě ħǿẅ ťǿ ǻđmįňįșťěřťħě ťěșť įň ťħěįř đįșťřįčťș. İť ňǿẅ mǿvěș ťǿ ťħě Ħǿųșě șįđě.

PǾȘȚĚĐ MǺŘČĦ 9, 2015, 11:01 Ǻ.M. įň: 2015 İđǻħǿ Ŀěģįșŀǻțųřě


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Idaho Senate passes civicsLegislation would make exam a high school graduation requirement

Posted: Tuesday, March 10, 2015 12:00 am

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Proposed legislation calling for all Idaho high school students to pass a U.S. civics test before graduation was passed by the Idaho SenateMonday.

There was bipartisan support for the bill, which passed 296. It will now move to the Idaho House for consideration.

Tests feature questions such as, "Who was president during World War II?" and"Name one branch or part of the government" and will be based on what iscurrently administered to applicants for U.S. citizenship by the U.S. Citizenshipand Immigration Services.

The bill was cosponsored by Sen. Jim Patrick, RTwin Falls; and SenateEducation Chairman Dean Mortimer, RIdaho Falls.

This year similar laws have passed in Arizona and North Dakota, with legislationcurrently being considered by another 19 states, including Idaho.

Senators from North Idaho districts who voted in favor of the legislation: ShawnKeough, Bob Nonini, Sheryl Nuxoll, Mary Souza and Steve Vick.

Sen. Dan Schmidt, DMoscow; and Sen. Dan Johnson, RLewiston, voted no.

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İđǻħǿ ħįģħ șčħǿǿŀ șťųđěňťș ẅǿųŀđ ħǻvě ťǿ bě ǻbŀě ťǿ ǻňșẅěř ťħǿșě qųěșťįǿňș ťǿģřǻđųǻťě fřǿm ħįģħ șčħǿǿŀ, ǻŀǿňģ ẅįťħ ťħě ǿťħěřș ťħǻť mǻķě ųp ťħě ťěșť įmmįģřǻňťșmųșť pǻșș ťǿ běčǿmě Ų.Ș. čįťįżěňș, ųňđěř ŀěģįșŀǻťįǿň ťħǻť pǻșșěđ ťħě İđǻħǿ Șěňǻťě ǿňMǿňđǻỳ ǿň ǻ 29-6 vǿťě.

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“İf ỳǿų ģřǻđųǻťě fřǿm ħįģħ șčħǿǿŀ ẅįťħǿųť běįňģ ǻbŀě ťǿ ňǻmě ǻňỳ ẅǻř fǿųģħť įň ťħě1900ș ǿř běįňģ ǻbŀě ťǿ ňǻmě ǻňỳ Ňǻťįvě Ǻměřįčǻň İňđįǻň ťřįbě, șǿměťħįňģ įș ẅřǿňģ,”șǻįđ Șěň. Jįm Pǻťřįčķ, Ř-Ťẅįň Fǻŀŀș, ťħě bįŀŀ’ș șpǿňșǿř. “Ťħįș įș ňǿť ǻ ħǻřđ ťěșť.”

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Ťħě bįŀŀ ħǻș 21 čǿ-șpǿňșǿřș fřǿm bǿťħ pǻřťįěș. İđǻħǿ įș ǿňě ǿf 19 șťǻťěș čǿňșįđěřįňģșįmįŀǻř ŀěģįșŀǻťįǿň ťħįș ỳěǻř; Ǻřįżǿňǻ ǻňđ Ňǿřťħ Đǻķǿťǻ ǻŀřěǻđỳ ħǻvě pǻșșěđ įť.

Șǿ: Ẅħǻť’ș ťħě ňǻmě ǿf ťħě čųřřěňť přěșįđěňť? Ħǿẅ ǿŀđ đǿ ỳǿų ħǻvě ťǿ bě ťǿ vǿťě?

ȚŲĚȘĐǺỲ, MǺŘČĦ 10, 2015

Bỳ Běțșỳ Ż. Řųșșěŀŀbżřųșșěŀŀ@ģmǻįŀ.čǿm(208) 336-2854

© Čǿpỳřįģħț 2016, Țħě Șpǿķěșmǻň-Řěvįěẅ

Șǿ: Ẅħǻť’ș ťħě ňǻmě ǿf ťħě čųřřěňť přěșįđěňť? Ħǿẅ ǿŀđ đǿ ỳǿų ħǻvě ťǿ bě ťǿ vǿťě?Ňǻmě ǿňě přǿbŀěm ťħǻť ŀěđ ťǿ ťħě Čįvįŀ Ẅǻř. Ẅħǻť đįđ Mǻřťįň Ŀųťħěř Ķįňģ Jř. đǿ?Ẅħǻť mǻjǿř ěvěňť ħǻppěňěđ įň ťħě Ųňįťěđ Șťǻťěș ǿň Șěpť. 11, 2001?

“Čįvįčș įș ǻť ťħě ħěǻřť ǿf ųňđěřșťǻňđįňģ ẅħǻť įť měǻňș ťǿ bě ǻň Ǻměřįčǻň,” Pǻťřįčķșǻįđ. “Ěvįđěňčě ħǻș șħǿẅň ťħǻť ťǿǿ mǻňỳ Ǻměřįčǻň ķįđș đǿň’ť ħǻvě ǻ bǻșįččǿmmǻňđ ǿf fǿųňđǻťįǿňǻŀ čįvįčș, bųť İ běŀįěvě įň İđǻħǿ ǿųř ķįđș ẅįŀŀ đǿ běťťěř ǻňđẅě ẅįŀŀ ħěŀp ťħěm đǿ běťťěř.”

Ǻ ňǻťįǿňǻŀ fǿųňđǻťįǿň bǻșěđ įň Ǻřįżǿňǻ ħǻș běěň pųșħįňģ fǿř řěqųįřįňģ ťħě ťěșť fǿřħįģħ șčħǿǿŀ ģřǻđųǻťįǿň. İť șěť ųp ǻ ẅěbșįťě, ČįvįčșĚđųčǻťįǿňİňįťįǻťįvě.čǿm, ẅįťħŀįňķș ťǿ ťħě ťěșť.

Ňǻmě ǿňě șťǻťě ťħǻť bǿřđěřș Čǻňǻđǻ. Ẅħỳ đǿěș ťħě fŀǻģ ħǻvě 50 șťǻřș? Ẅħěň đǿ ẅěčěŀěbřǻťě İňđěpěňđěňčě Đǻỳ?

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Ǻppŀįčǻňťș fǿř čįťįżěňșħįp mųșť ģěť 60 pěřčěňť ǿf ťħě qųěșťįǿňș řįģħť ťǿ pǻșș ťħě ťěșť;ťħěỳ’řě ǻșķěđ 10 řǻňđǿm qųěșťįǿňș fřǿm ǻmǿňģ ťħě 100.

Ťħě bįŀŀ ňǿẅ mǿvěș ťǿ ťħě İđǻħǿ Ħǿųșě; įť ẅǿųŀđ ňěěđ ťǿ čŀěǻř ǻ čǿmmįťťěě ǻňđ ǻfųŀŀ Ħǿųșě vǿťě ťħěřě ǻňđ řěčěįvě Ģǿv. Bųťčħ Ǿťťěř’ș șįģňǻťųřě ťǿ běčǿmě ŀǻẅ.

PŲBĿİȘĦĚĐ: MǺŘČĦ 10, 2015, MİĐŇİĢĦȚ Țǻģș: 2015 İđǻħǿ Ŀěģįșŀǻțųřě, čįțįżěňșħįp țěșț, čįvįčș ěđųčǻțįǿň, čįvįčș țěșț

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Idaho panel endorses civics test for

students to graduateBy The Associated Press | Posted Mar 23rd, 2015 @ 11:41am

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MǾŇĐǺỲ, MǺŘČĦ 23, 2015, 9:43 Ǻ.M.

Ťħě Ħǿųșě Ěđųčǻťįǿň Čǿmmįťťěě ħǻș ěňđǿřșěđ ŀěģįșŀǻťįǿň ťǿ řěqųįřě İđǻħǿ șťųđěňťșťǿ pǻșș ťħě șǻmě čįvįčș ťěșť ťħǻť ňěẅ įmmįģřǻňťș mųșť pǻșș fǿř čįťįżěňșħįp běfǿřěťħěỳ ģřǻđųǻťě fřǿm ħįģħ șčħǿǿŀ, șěňđįňģ ȘB 1071ǻ ťǿ ťħě fųŀŀ Ħǿųșě fǿř ǻ fįňǻŀ vǿťě.“Șťųđěňťș đǿ ňěěđ ťǿ bě ěňčǿųřǻģěđ ťǿ bě běťťěř čįťįżěňș ǻňđ ťǿ ųňđěřșťǻňđ ǿųřčǿųňťřỳ ǻňđ ẅħỳ ẅě fįģħť fǿř įť,” Șěň. Jįm Pǻťřįčķ, Ř-Ťẅįň Fǻŀŀș, ťǿŀđ ťħěřěpřěșěňťǻťįvěș. “Ẅě čǿųŀđ ŀǿșě ǿųř čǿųňťřỳ įf ťħěỳ đǿň’ť ųňđěřșťǻňđ įť.”

Řěp. Ťěřřỳ Ģěșťřįň, Ř-Đǿňňěŀŀỳ, ǻ čǿ-șpǿňșǿř ǿf ťħě bįŀŀ, șǻįđ, “Ňǿřmǻŀŀỳ İ’mǿppǿșěđ ťǿ ħįģħ-șťǻķěș ťěșťįňģ, bųť İ đǿ ňǿť vįěẅ ťħįș ǻș ǻ ħįģħ-șťǻķěș ťěșť.” Bǻčķěřșșǻįđ ťħě ťěșť įșň’ť đįffįčųŀť. Řěp. Řỳǻň Ķěřbỳ, Ř-Ňěẅ Pŀỳmǿųťħ, șǻįđ ħě, ťǿǿ, đįđň’ťșěě ťħě čįvįčș ťěșť ǻș ǻ “ħįģħ-șťǻķěș” ťěșť. “İť’ș jųșť șǿměťħįňģ ķįđș șħǿųŀđ ķňǿẅ,” ħěșǻįđ. “Ťħįș įș ǻ řěǻŀŀỳ ňįčě pįěčě ǿf ŀěģįșŀǻťįǿň.” Ķěřbỳ șǻįđ ťħě șųbjěčť mǻťťěř ǻňđťěșť čǿųŀđ bě ěǻșįŀỳ įňťěģřǻťěđ įňťǿ ħįșťǿřỳ ǻňđ ģǿvěřňměňť čŀǻșșěș.



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Bill requiring civics test advances


Patrick's Civics Test Bill Moving toHouse Floor

ȚŲĚȘĐǺỲ, MǺŘČĦ 31, 2015, 10:10 Ǻ.M.

Ťħě Ħǿųșě ħǻș vǿťěđ 59-10 įň fǻvǿř ǿf ȘB 1071ǻ, ťǿ řěqųįřě İđǻħǿ ħįģħ șčħǿǿŀģřǻđųǻťěș ťǿ pǻșș ťħě șǻmě čįvįčș ťěșť ťħǻť įmmįģřǻňťș mųșť pǻșș ťǿ běčǿmě čįťįżěňșǿf ťħě Ųňįťěđ Șťǻťěș. “Jǻỳ Ŀěňǿ ẅěňť ǿųť ǻňđ ǻșķěđ pěǿpŀě, ẅħǿ’ș přěșįđěňť ǿf ťħěŲňįťěđ Șťǻťěș, ẅħǿ’ș ǿųř șěňǻťǿř?” șǻįđ Řěp. Ťěřřỳ Ģěșťřįň, Ř-Đǿňňěŀŀỳ. “Ẅě’vě ǻŀŀșěěň ťħǿșě ěpįșǿđěș ẅħěřě ťħěỳ đǿň’ť ķňǿẅ.”

Řěp. Ŀįňđěň Bǻťěmǻň, Ř-İđǻħǿ Fǻŀŀș, șǻįđ, “Ňǿřmǻŀŀỳ İ ẅǿųŀđ ňǿť șųppǿřťmǻňđǻťįňģ șťįŀŀ ǻňǿťħěř ťěșť ǿň ǿųř șčħǿǿŀ đįșťřįčťș. Ťħěřě ǻřě șǿ mǻňỳ ťěșťș ťħǻťħǻvě běěň mǻňđǻťěđ. Bųť İ đěčįđěđ ťǿ șųppǿřť ťħįș ŀěģįșŀǻťįǿň, běčǻųșě șǿčįǻŀ șťųđįěșħǻș běěň řěŀěģǻťěđ ťǿ ǻ șěčǿňđǻřỳ pǿșįťįǿň įň ǿųř șčħǿǿŀ đįșťřįčťș.” Ħě șǻįđ șčħǿǿŀșǻřě mǿřě fǿčųșěđ ǿň șųbjěčťș ŀįķě mǻťħ ňǿẅ. “Ťħěỳ pųșħ ťħě șǿčįǻŀ șťųđįěș ǿff ťǿ ťħěbǻčķ bųřňěř ǿř čŀěǻř ǿff ťħě șťǿvě. … Ǿųř ķįđș ǻŀșǿ ŀǻčķ ǻ ķňǿẅŀěđģě ǿf ťħěđěvěŀǿpměňť ǿf ẅěșťěřň čįvįŀįżǻťįǿň.”

Řěp. Mǻť Ěřpěŀđįňģ, Đ-Bǿįșě, ǻřģųěđ ǻģǻįňșť ťħě bįŀŀ. “Ťħě ẅǻỳ ťħǻť ẅě ěňģǻģě ǿųřčħįŀđřěň įň čįvįč ěđųčǻťįǿň įș ňǿť bỳ fǿřčįňģ ǻňǿťħěř ťěșť ǿň ťħěm, bųť bỳ čħǻňģįňģťħě ẅǻỳ ẅě đěǻŀ ẅįťħ șǿčįǻŀ șťųđįěș įň ǿųř șčħǿǿŀș,” ħě șǻįđ. “Ňǿẅ ẅě’řě ģǿįňģ ťǿ pųťǻ ŀįťťŀě pǻťčħ ǿň įť bỳ ħǻvįňģ ǻ čįvįčș ťěșť, ẅħįčħ įň mỳ ǿpįňįǿň įș řěměđįǻŀ ǻť běșť.”

Řěp. Pěťě Ňįěŀșěň, Ř-Mǿųňťǻįň Ħǿmě, řěčǻŀŀěđ ǻ ħįșťǿřỳ ťěǻčħěř “ẅħěň İ ẅǻș ǻ ŀǻđ”ẅħǿ “mǻđě įť čǿmě ǻŀįvě.” Ħě șǻįđ, “Ẅě ňěěđ ťǿ đǿ ťħįș ķįňđ ǿf ťħįňģ įň ǿųř șčħǿǿŀș,ẅįťħǿųť qųěșťįǿň, ǻňđ ťħįș įș ǻ mįģħťỳ ģǿǿđ șťǻřť.”

Ťħě bįŀŀ ěǻřŀįěř pǻșșěđ ťħě Șěňǻťě ǿň ǻ 29-6 vǿťě; įť ňǿẅ ģǿěș ťǿ Ģǿv. Bųťčħ Ǿťťěř.


Idaho House passes civics test requirement forstudentsPosted: Wednesday, April 1, 2015 12:00 am

BOISE (AP) House lawmakers have endorsed a plan to require Idaho high school students pass a100question test on U.S. government in order to graduate.

The House voted 5910 on Tuesday to begin implementing the test starting in the 20162017 schoolyear.

According to the legislation, students must correctly answer 60 of the 100 questions, which comefrom the federal government's citizenship tests for immigrants.

Democratic Rep. Mat Erpelding from Boise opposed the bill, arguing that tacking one more test onstudents won't improve overall civic engagement and knowledge.

However, Republican Rep. Terry Gestrin from Donnelly countered that the test will encouragestudents to learn more about their government and current events.

Civics test bill passes both chambers

Civics test bill passes both chambers


Civics test

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Reports

Idaho Civics

KMVT (CBS) 2/13/2015 6:03:30 AM

Twin Falls, ID

Rise and Shine Southern Idaho

Local Viewership: 562 Local Publicity Value: $71.70

KIVI (ABC) 2/13/2015 6:29:49 AM

Boise, ID

Good Morning Idaho

Local Viewership: 3,269 Local Publicity Value: $169.23

KSAW (ABC) 2/13/2015 6:29:55 AM

Twin Falls, ID

Good Morning Idaho

Local Viewership: 390 Local Publicity Value: $64.28

KTVB (NBC) 2/13/2015 6:30:23 AM

Boise, ID

KTVB Morning News

Local Viewership: 31,006 Local Publicity Value: $1,442.53

KTFT (NBC) 2/13/2015 6:30:33 AM

Twin Falls, ID

KTVB Morning News


KMVT (CBS) 2/13/2015 6:33:05 AM

Twin Falls, ID

Rise and Shine Southern Idaho


KNIN (FOX) 2/13/2015 7:33:05 AM

Boise, ID

Good Morning Idaho


KMVT (CBS) 3/10/2015 10:14:17 PMTwin Falls, IDNews at 10Local Viewership: 11,122 Local Publicity Value: $1,437.16said in a statement "the city is doing everything legally and physicallypossible to protect the neighbors and other citizens from this nuisanceproperty." joe>> a civics education bill is making its way through the statelegislature this week. civics bill passes the senate>> the bill would make it arequirement for idaho schools to administer a test that all high schoolstudents must pass before graduating. the senate voted to pass the bill cosponsored by senator jim patrick and senate education chairman deanmortimer. the test will feature questions based on what is currentlyadministered to applicants for u s citizenship. the bill will now move on to avote in the house. twin falls chamber of commerce>> every month the twinfalls

KREM (CBS) 3/11/2015 5:18:31 PMSpokane, WAKREM 2 News at 5Local Viewership: 39,674 Local Publicity Value: $1,607.93partly cloudy by the weekend. high temperatures across the stateon thurdaywill mostly be in the e 50s and lower 60s. central washignton wil mostly dryand partly cloudy thursday with the showers most being confined to easternwashington and northern idaho. friday will be much warmer with some areasrecording record highs. the weekend will be windy and rainy with highs in themid to upper 50s. next week will be mostly dry with highs in the upper 50sand lower 60s. idaho lawmakers are considering a bill that would require highschool students to pass a civics test in order to graduate.

KREM (CBS) 3/11/2015 6:38:07 PMSpokane, WAKREM 2 News at 6Local Viewership: 27,134 Local Publicity Value: $1,332.72information to the city or county for repair. so far 23 potholes have beenreported. 12 of those have been fixed. idaho lawmakers are considering a billthat would require high school students to pass a civics test in order tograduate. it would contain the same questions that are on a test given topeople applying for us citizenship. we wanted to know how elected officials innorth idaho would do if they had to take the same test. taylor viydo has theanswer. this is an abbreviated version of the 100question civics test used bythe federal government. it contains 40 questions. so, we put out the call toelected officials here in north

KREM (CBS) 3/11/2015 11:21:39 PMSpokane, WAKREM 2 News at 11Local Viewership: 5,300 Local Publicity Value: $366.52mist. robinetti was arrested in january after spending half a decade onamerica's most wanted list. they won't say whether he pointed them to thebunker, only that agents developed clues. idaho lawmakers are considering abill that would require high school students to pass a civics test in tograduate. it would contain the same questions that are on a test given topeople applying for us citizenship. some of the questions are pretty simple,like "where's the statue of liberty?" others are a bit more challenging, but stillpretty basic. we wanted to know how elected officials in north idaho would doif they had to take same test. two local city council members took the test forus...both passed it pretty es. 29:50 "it was all general government f y hbcknowledgfm and history would probably get a good grade on the test.

KREM (CBS) 3/12/2015 5:26:14 AMSpokane, WA

KREM 2 Morning NewsLocal Viewership: 4,800 Local Publicity Value: $131.23school students to pass a civics test in order to graduate. it would be thesame questions as the us citizenship test. most center around us historyand knowledge like "where is the statue of liberty?" we wanted to know howelected officials in north idaho would do if they had to take the same test. twolocal city council members took thes for us... and both passed. washingtonstate's attorney general has filed a lawsuit to get some seahawks fans theirmoney back. the suit claims a ticket company out of new york took ticketorders in anticipation of being able to find

KREM (CBS) 3/12/2015 6:26:00 AMSpokane, WAKREM 2 Morning NewsLocal Viewership: 4,212 Local Publicity Value: $49.01idaho lawmakers are considering a bill that would require high schoolstudents to pass a civics test in to graduate. it would be the same questionsas the us citizenship test. most center around us history and knowledge like"where is the statue of liberty?" we wanted to know how elected officials innorth idaho would do if they had to take the same test. two local city councilmembers took the test for us... and both passed.

KREM (CBS) 3/12/2015 8:56:02 AMSpokane, WACBS This MorningLocal Viewership: 5,395 Local Publicity Value: $170.38thankfully nothing more than minor scrapes after this incident... idaholawmakers are considering a bill that would require high school students topass a civics test in order to graduate. it would be the same questions as theus citizenship test. most center around us history and knowledge like"where is the statue of liberty?" we wanted to know how elected officials innorth idaho would do if they had to take the same test. two local city councilmembers took the test for us... and both passed. "it was all generalgovernment stuff. and i think anyone with a codo governmtds would probablyget a

KREM (CBS) 3/12/2015 12:05:51 PMSpokane, WAKREM 2 News at NoonLocal Viewership: 21,919 Local Publicity Value: $609.68times and is a fan of gonzaga university basketball. bishop daly's instillation isset for may 20. idaho lawmakers are considering a bill requiring high schoolstudents to pass a civics test in order to graduate. it would be the samequestions as the us citizenship test. most questions center around ushistory and knowledge like "where is the statue of liberty located?" we wantedto know how elected officials in north idaho would do if they had to take thesame test. we put two to the test and both passed. "it was all generalgovernment stuff. and i think anyone t bno of governnir would probably get agood grade on the test." the bill passed the

KREM (CBS) 3/12/2015 6:10:16 PMSpokane, WAKREM 2 News at 6Local Viewership: 32,633 Local Publicity Value: $1,292.16downtown again under that same name... but first is waiting to settle aseparate lawsuit over a rent disagreement. more than 6thousand people havetaken the civics test we've posted to kremdotcom. the questions come fromthe test idaho students could soon be required to pass in order to graduatefrom high school. we've taken a look at the numbers and found out the mostmissed question... as well as the one most people got correct. the mostmissed question: how many amendments does the constitution have? the mostcorrectly answered question: if the president can no longer serve, whobecomes president? many of you have connected to the krem 2 facebook pageto share

KTVB (NBC) 3/13/2015 4:21:01 AM

Boise, IDNW Cable News


could soon have another hoop to jump through before graduation, thanks to abill under consideration in salem. house bill 2977 would require all studentsto take and pass a civics test... the ásame one given to immigrants applyingfor us citizenship. lets put this in the statutes now that say you have todemonstrate a skill of civics and say one of the things you can demonstratethat, it could be one way or in addition to.. is pass the citizenship test.representative whisnant says he was inspired after speaking at a rotary clubmeeting and realizing none of the members knew who their senators were. asimilar bill is also being considered for high school

KBOI (CBS) 3/23/2015 4:03:00 PMBoise, IDKBOI 2 News at 4:00pmLocal Viewership: 9,999 Local Publicity Value: $620.92officials attract companies. under the law, counties would no longer berestricted to giving tax breaks solely to manufacturing plants. >>brent:before graduating ... idaho student may soon have to pass a civics test thesame test that's given to new citizens. the house education committeeunanimously approved the bill it's already made it through the senate. thetest is passfail... and passing is 60percent. >>brent: a grade schoolstudent's plan to designate the idaho giant salamander as the official stateamphibian.. is still alive... it's now passed the house. the 14yearold hasbeen bringing the bill to the legislature... for five years.

KIVI (ABC) 3/23/2015 5:05:40 PMBoise, IDToday's 6 News On Your SideLocal Viewership: 7,593 Local Publicity Value: $421.42schoolnet... a statewide resource for teachers to see realtime student data...is apparently a money pit to the tune of sixty million dollars. much like theidaho education network... this service came from former state schoolssuperintendent tom luna. originally a pilot prgram for a few districts... theaudit shows it was rolled out poorly across the state. a group of staterepresentatives are pushing to start a different kind of education pilot. thisone for a pre school program. republicans and democrats have signed ontothe proposal... but for a second year in a row, it may be dead on arrival. jakemelder has more from inside the statehouse.

KSAW (ABC) 3/23/2015 5:08:41 PMTwin Falls, IDToday's 6 News On Your SideLocal Viewership: 1,756 Local Publicity Value: $147.24my full story on idaho city's preschool and review the numbers... just head toour website idaho on your side dot com. do you know when our foundingfather's signed the declaration of independence? who won the civil war? soonidaho students may need to know those answer.. in order to graduate. afterclearing the senate... a house panel has endorsed a bill that would requirestudents to pass a civics test to get their diploma. the test is a hundredquestions... and you only need to get sixty in order to pass. bill sponsors hopethis requirement will keep schools focused on teaching our nation's history."students do need to be encouraged to be better students and understand ourcountry and why we actually fight

KIVI (ABC) 3/23/2015 6:08:13 PMBoise, IDToday's 6 News On Your SideLocal Viewership: 19,000 Local Publicity Value: $721.54absolutely something our state needs to take seriously. the research is there.and we have local data to share." if you want to see my full story on idahocity's preschool and review the numbers... just head to our website idaho onyour side dot com. do you know when our founding father's signed thedeclaration of independence? who won the civil war? soon idaho students mayneed to know those answer.. in order to graduate. after clearing the senate...a house panel has endorsed a bill that would require students to pass a civicstest to get their diploma. the test is a hundred questions... and you only needto get sixty in order to pass. bill sponsors hope this requirement will keepschools focused on teaching our nation's history.

KNIN (FOX) 3/23/2015 9:11:49 PMBoise, IDFOX 9 News On Your Side

Local Viewership: 6,710 Local Publicity Value: $773.50the research is there. and we have local data to share." if you want to see onyour side's full story on idaho city's preschool and review the numbers... justhead to our website idaho on your side dot com. schools will have additionaltools to crackdown on bullies... under a bill passed by the house today. underthe plan, administrators would have to create a process for students andteachers to report bullying... as well as provide antibullying training forteachers. critics say there needs to be protection for students falsely accusedof bullying.. the bill now goes on to the senate. a house panel's signed off ona bill...requiring idaho students to pass a civics test... to get their diploma.among the questions they'll need answers

KBOI (CBS) 3/23/2015 10:09:30 PMBoise, IDKBOI 2 News at 10:00pmLocal Viewership: 1,422 Local Publicity Value: $244.80>>natalie: do you know when the constitution was written? ... or what thefirst 10 are called? >>brent: if they want to graduate... idaho students maysoon have to know the answers to those questions... and a lot more. the statesenate already approved a bill requiring a civics test for graduation. and aftera house committee also said yes... its last legislative hurdle is the full house.the test would have 100 questions..."pass" would be 60 right. >>natalie: thebill banning doctors from prescribing the abortion pill through telemedicine...appears to be heading to the governor's desk. the senate approved it... 277.

KPVI (NBC) 3/23/2015 10:10:23 PMIdaho Falls, IDKPVI 6 at 10pmLocal Viewership: 6,547 Local Publicity Value: $459.80the bill now goes to the senate side for consideration. the idaho houseeducation committee unanimously approved a bill that would require studentsto basic civics knowledge before they graduate. republican senator jim patrickfrom twin falls says students must correctly answer 60 of the 100 questions,which come from the federal government's citizenship tests for immigrants.but idaho education association president penni cyr says testing like thisstifles this stifles creativity and takes away time from other subjects.questions include naming sitting senators, the governor or when theconstitution was written. the bill has

KIVI (ABC) 3/24/2015 5:13:21 AMBoise, IDGood Morning IdahoLocal Viewership: 2,245 Local Publicity Value: $198.80bullying training for teachers. critics say there needs to be protection forstudents falsely accused of bullying... it now goes on to the senate. and ahouse panel has signed off on a bill...requiring idaho students to pass a civicstest to get their diploma. the test is a hundred questions... and you only needto get sixty in order as. the bill's already passed the senate. its sponsors hopethis requirement will keep schools focused on teaching our nation's history.the bill is opposed by the teachers union who says this kind of testing stiflescreativity and takes away time from other subjects. it now heads to the housefloor for final approval. its 5: now. coming up next... police have releasedwhat they found in connection to the uva gang rape case....and it wasn'tmuch. and now, the fraternity is

KTVB (NBC) 3/24/2015 5:15:25 AMBoise, IDKTVB Morning NewsLocal Viewership: 5,427 Local Publicity Value: $198.80save the man's life.the sheriff's office awarded lizano a certificate ofappreciation for his efforts. idaho students could soon have to take a civicstest to graduate from high school. the house education committeeunanimously voted yesterday to require students to pass a test with basicquestions on u.s. government to get their diplomas.the questions come fromthe federal government's citizenship tests for immigrants.the bill has alreadypassed the senate 296. we'll be back with more news.

KTFT (NBC) 3/24/2015 5:15:34 AM

Twin Falls, ID

KTVB Morning News


save the man's life.the sheriff's office awarded lizano a certificate ofappreciation for his efforts. idaho students could soon have to take a civicstest to graduate from high school. the house education committeeunanimously voted yesterday to require students to pass a test with basicquestions on u.s. government to get their diplomas.the questions come fromthe federal government's citizenship tests for immigrants.the bill has alreadypassed the senate 296. we'll be back with more news.

KBOI (CBS) 3/24/2015 5:34:52 AMBoise, IDKBOI 2 News This MorningLocal Viewership: 5,277 Local Publicity Value: $199.15the proposal. >>kelsey: do you know when the constitution was written? orwhat the first 10 amendments are called? if they want to graduate... idahostudents may soon have to know the answers to those questions... and a lotmore. the state senate already approved a bill requiring a civics test forgraduation. and after a house committee also said yes... its last legislativehurdle is the full house. the test would have 100 questions students wouldneed to correctly answer á60 in order to pass. >>kelsey: a bill banningdoctors from prescribing the abortion pill through telemedicine... appears tobe heading to the governor's desk. the

KTVB (NBC) 3/24/2015 6:12:12 AMBoise, IDKTVB Morning NewsLocal Viewership: 23,927 Local Publicity Value: $1,064.88lizano a certificate of appreciation for his efforts. idaho students could soonhave to take a civics test to graduate from high school. the house educationcommittee unanimously voted yesterday to require students to pass a test withbasic questions on u.s. government to get their diplomas.the questions comefrom the federal government's citizenship tests for immigrants.the bill hasalready passed the senate 296. if you or someone you know is thinking aboutapplying for college... this is a good week to do it.the college of western idahois waiving its 25dollar application fee this week.cwi says free

KTFT (NBC) 3/24/2015 6:12:22 AMTwin Falls, IDKTVB Morning NewsLocal Viewership: 2,439 Local Publicity Value: $204.38lizano a certificate of appreciation for his efforts. idaho students could soonhave to take a civics test to graduate from high school. the house educationcommittee unanimously voted yesterday to require students to pass a test withbasic questions on u.s. government to get their diplomas.the questions comefrom the federal government's citizenship tests for immigrants.the bill hasalready passed the senate 296. if you or someone you know is thinking aboutapplying for college... this is a good week to do it.the college of western idahois waiving its 25dollar application fee this week.cwi says free applicationweek is intended

KBOI (CBS) 3/24/2015 6:35:51 AMBoise, IDKBOI 2 News This MorningLocal Viewership: 7,097 Local Publicity Value: $483.00the senate still has to ok the proposal. >>kelsey: do you know when theconstitution was written? or what the first 10 amendments are called? if theywant to graduate... idaho students may soon have to know the answers tothose questions... and a lot more. the state senate already approved a billrequiring a civics test for graduation. and after a house committee also saidyes... its last legislative hurdle is the full house. the test would have 100questions students would need to correctly answer á60 in order to pass.>>kelsey: a bill banning doctors from prescribing the abortion pill throughtelemedicine... appears to be heading to the governor's desk. the senateapproved it... 277.

KBOI (CBS) 3/24/2015 11:05:17 AMBoise, IDKBOI News at MiddayLocal Viewership: 2,586 Local Publicity Value: $215.84

they want to graduate... idaho students might soon have to know the answersto those questions... and a lot more. the state senate already approved a billrequiring a civics test for graduation. and after a house committee also saidyes... its last legislative hurdle is the full house. the test would have 100questions students would need to correctly answer á60 in order to pass.>>rick: police think human remains found in alaska could be linked to thedisappearance of a family of four nearly a year ago. the fbi is working withlocal police, as they investigate a scene in kenai. police say someone drivingdown a trail came across what looked like clothing and human

KTFT (NBC) 3/31/2015 4:11:37 PMTwin Falls, IDNews at FourLocal Viewership: 1,275 Local Publicity Value: $156.87the seedlings come from. on the capitol watch a plan to require idaho highschool students to pass a civics test before graduating ... is now headed tothe governors desk. house lawmakers approved the bill today.if the governorsigns off on the plan... students will begin taking the us government test inthe 201617 school year.according to the legislation.. .students must answer60 of the 100 questions correctly.the questions come from the federalgovernment's citizenship test for immigrants.

KIFI (ABC) 3/31/2015 5:04:44 PMIdaho Falls, IDLocal News 8 @ 5pmLocal Viewership: 8,113 Local Publicity Value: $443.19a balance on these things." tonight at 6 we'll hear more from cravens andwhat parts of the bill would be beneficial. house lawmakers have endorsed aplan to require idaho high school students pass a civics test in order tograduate. the measure passed 5910 today to begin implementing the teststarting in the 20162017 school year. students must correctly answer 60 ofthe 100 questions similar to the federal government's citizenship tests forimmigrants. state superintendent sherri ybarra is reacting to one schooldistrict choosing not to take the new state test, the i

KIDK (CBS) 3/31/2015 5:36:27 PMIdaho Falls, IDChannel 3 Eyewitness NewsLocal Viewership: 7,774 Local Publicity Value: $518.84ansporation mmittee and, in 72 vote, gave e go for the full senate'snsideration. e senate then nt it back to e ansportation mmittee for vision. ve atthe partment of bor, i'm dennis lera. anks dennis. nate adership says ey planto low for more stimony, and t rush the bill. ############# housewmakers are dorsing a plan at would quire idaho gh school udents to passcivics test to aduate. the use voted 59 10 to start e testing in the 162017school ar. cording to e bill, udents must ss with a 60 percent. the test is verysimilar to the test that immigrants take to become citizens. those opposed tothe bill say students taking another test won't improve civic engagement.advocates say it's a good way to encourage kids to learn more aboutgovernment and current events. ############### businesses that sellrecreational vehicles like snowmobiles and motorcycles say they are seeing theeffects of low oil prices in wyoming. oil prices have fallen to around half ofwhat they were just a

KMVT (CBS) 3/31/2015 6:03:15 PMTwin Falls, IDNews at 6Local Viewership: 12,906 Local Publicity Value: $1,296.09day since he first took office. the plan is to continue this tradition, makingtheir way back through the list state capital building>> on the legislativewatch... a bill that requires all idaho students to pass a civics test beforegraduating high school is headed to the governor's desk for approval. civicsbill heads to gov. otter>> the civics education bill is sponsored by senator jimpatrick of twin falls. the test features questions such as ... what are the firstten amendments of the constitution called? and who won the civil war? thequestions are based on what is currently given to those applying to becomeamerican citizens. the bill passed the house of representatives today 5910.marijuana oil bill voted down>> meanwhile a bill that would allow childrensuffering from seizures use a marijuana oil is dead in the

KMVT (CBS) 3/31/2015 10:02:07 PM

Twin Falls, IDNews at 10Local Viewership: 11,122 Local Publicity Value: $1,437.16student." the blaine county school district filed an appeal to the lower court'sruling but the supreme court upheld their decision. state house in boise>>on the legislative watch... a bill that requires all idaho students to pass acivics test before graduating high school is headed to the governor's deskfor approval. civics bill heads to gov. otter>> the civics education bill issponsored by senator jim patrick of twin falls. the test features questionssuch as ... what are the first ten amendments of the constitution called? andwho won the civil war? the questions are based on what is currently given tothose applying to become american citizens. state house in boise>>meanwhile a bill aimed to help idaho children suffering from seizures use amarijuana oil is dead in

KMVT (CBS) 4/1/2015 5:32:44 AMTwin Falls, IDRise and Shine Southern IdahoLocal Viewership: 1,198 Local Publicity Value: $89.34remained on scene throughout the night to make sure winds do not sparkanything up. no word yet on the area damaged, or what started the fire.bradley>> on the legislative watch... a bill that requires all idaho students topass a civics test before graduating high school is headed to the governor'sdesk for approval. civics bill heads to gov. otter>> the civics education bill issponsored by senator jim patrick of twin falls. the test features questionssuch as ... what are the first ten amendments of the constitution called? andwho won the civil war? the questions are based on what is currently given tothose applying to become american citizens. marijuana oil bill voted down>>meanwhile a bill aimed to help idaho children suffering from seizures by useof marijuana oil is dead in the water.

KMVT (CBS) 4/1/2015 6:03:07 AMTwin Falls, IDRise and Shine Southern IdahoLocal Viewership: 2,231 Local Publicity Value: $238.77remained on scene throughout the night to make sure winds do not sparkanything up. no word yet on the area damaged, or what started the fire.bradley>> on the legislative watch... a bill that requires all idaho students topass a civics test before graduating high school is headed to the governor'sdesk for approval. civics bill heads to gov. otter>> the civics education bill issponsored by senator jim patrick of twin falls. the test features questionssuch as ... what are the first ten amendments of the constitution called? andwho won the civil war? the questions are based on what is currently given tothose applying to become american citizens. marijuana oil bill voted down>>meanwhile a bill aimed to help idaho children suffering from seizures by useof marijuana oil is dead in the water.

KMVT (CBS) 4/1/2015 6:31:52 AMTwin Falls, IDRise and Shine Southern IdahoLocal Viewership: 3,063 Local Publicity Value: $320.11contained, however a crew remained on scene throughout the night to makesure winds do not spark anything up. no word yet on the area damaged, orwhat started the fire. bradley>> on the legislative watch... a bill that requiresall idaho students to pass a civics test before graduating high school isheaded to the governor's desk for approval. civics bill heads to gov. otter>>the civics education bill is sponsored by senator jim patrick of twin falls. thetest features questions such as ... what are the first ten amendments of theconstitution called? and who won the civil war? the questions are based onwhat is currently given to those applying to become american citizens.marijuana oil bill voted down>> meanwhile a bill aimed to help idaho childrensuffering from seizures by use of marijuana oil

KMVT (CBS) 4/1/2015 12:02:14 PMTwin Falls, IDNews at NoonLocal Viewership: 1,479 Local Publicity Value: $114.80remained on scene throughout the night to make sure winds do not sparkanything up. no word yet on the area damaged, or what started the fire.bradley>> on the legislative watch... a bill that requires all idaho students topass a civics test before graduating high school is headed to the governor's

desk for approval. civics bill heads to gov. otter>> the civics education bill issponsored by senator jim patrick of twin falls. the test features questionssuch as ... what are the first ten amendments of the constitution called? civicsbill heads to gov. otter>> the civics education bill is sponsored by senator jimpatrick of twin falls. a bill that requires all idaho

KBOI (CBS) 4/10/2015 10:02:53 PMBoise, IDKBOI 2 News at 10:00pmLocal Viewership: 7,833 Local Publicity Value: $617.25>>lawmaker: "the cake is still baking." >>natalie: they settled on a fiveyearrecipe. this summer firstyear teachers get a thousand dollar raise. teenswill soon have to get permission from their parents before tanning... and takea civics test to graduate high school. >>horse breeder: "they just took ourlivelihood away." >>natalie: horse breeders shed tears for a bill that wouldhave outlawed gambling machines at race tracks. governor otter vetoed thatrepeal...but called for a special investigation into the legality of the machines.rewrote idaho's concealed carry laws... to make them clearer. they left in theexception that allows elected officials to carry without a license. uber got thegreenlight to operate in idaho... against the wishes of boise city leaders. theridesharing service can bypass the regulations taxi drivers have to follow.

KBOI (CBS) 4/11/2015 10:01:15 PMBoise, IDKBOI 2 News at 10:00pmLocal Viewership: 11,202 Local Publicity Value: $1,705.13cause of the crash isn't known. but the faa in investigating. >>rick: thecrash victims have been identified as andrew d. tyson, russell "rusty" cheneyand aaron "aj" linnell... all three from idaho. a fourth man was identified asjohn h.short of utah, the plane's owner. >>rick: good evening and thanks forjoining us. i'm rick >>rick: in our legislative watch tonight... it's a wrap. inthe wee hours this morning... ... idaho lawmakers finally finished up work ona troubled bill to fund the state's crumbling infrastructure. lawmakers knewearly on in the session that the state had a $262 million annual backlog ofroad and bridge projects. but they were only able to agree to a compromisethat funds just $95 million of that.

KIVI (ABC) 4/13/2015 6:05:47 PMBoise, IDToday's 6 News On Your SideLocal Viewership: 19,000 Local Publicity Value: $822.22we're still keeping an eye on the governor's actions. he recently signed thebudget increase for schools and a requirement for high schoolers to pass acivics test to graduate. live in studio.. jake melder... idaho on your side. manyof us just throw our old tax records, financial papers or other documents intothe trash not really having the time to shred them all. but now the betterbusiness bureau has a way for us prevent all our personal information fromfalling into the wrong hands. this saturday the bbb will be holding itsannual shred day where we can bring our papers to be shredded forfree. "anything that has your name, any kind of identifying

KNIN (FOX) 4/13/2015 9:06:13 PMBoise, IDFOX 9 News On Your SideLocal Viewership: 6,710 Local Publicity Value: $853.13especially this time of day that we didn't have him hit someone else comingthrough here because as we know everyone is not paying a lot of attentionexpecting something like that to happen. the driver is expected to be okay.idaho may have no way to go after deadbeat parents who skip out on theirchild support payments. in the final day of the session... a house panel killeda bill that would put idaho under federal standards. not complying could costthe state tens of millions in federal payout. governor butch otter says it's aserious matter. in a statement today he said: "i am concerned that somemembers of the house judiciary and rules committee put idaho's child supportsystem at serious risk by killing senate bill 1067 in the waning

KIVI (ABC) 4/13/2015 10:05:57 PM

Boise, ID

Today's 6 News On Your Side

Local Viewership: 17,682 Local Publicity Value: $1,947.38

us tens of millions using pot oil won't make felons ten more bucks in grocerycredit and gun laws got a major edit. going home well worn and weary. 'tilagain... next january. jake melder... idaho on your side. while lawmakers maybe done... we're still keeping an eye on the governor's actions. herecentsigned the budget increase for schools and a requirement for highschoolers to pass a civics test to graduate. idaho may have no way to go afterdead beat parents who skip out on their child support payments. in the finalday of the session... a house panel killed a bill that would put idaho under

KSAW (ABC) 4/13/2015 10:07:22 PMTwin Falls, IDToday's 6 News On Your SideLocal Viewership: 2,674 Local Publicity Value: $336.96an eye on the governor's actions. he recently signed the budget increase forschools and a requirement for high schoolers to pass a civics test to graduate.idaho may have no way to go after dead beat parents who skip out on theirchild support payments. in the final day of the session... a house panel killeda bill that would put idaho under federal standards. not complying could costthe state tens of millions in federal payout. governor butch otter says it's aserious matter. in a statement today he said: "i am concerned that somemembers of the house judiciary and rules committee put idaho's child supportsystem at

KNIN (FOX) 4/14/2015 7:31:01 AMBoise, IDGood Morning IdahoLocal Viewership: 1,626 Local Publicity Value: $156.37school net cost us tens of millions using pot oil won't make felons ten morebucks in grocery credit and gun laws got a major edit. going home well wornand weary. 'til again... next january. jake melder... idaho on your side. whilelawmakers may be done... we're still keeping an eye on the governor's actions.he recently signed the budget increase for schools and a requirement for highschoolers to pass a civics test to graduate. idaho may have no way to go afterdead beat parents who skip out on their child support payments. in the finalday of the session... a house panel killed a bill that would put idaho underfederal standards. not complying could cost the state tens of millions infederal payout. governor butch otter says it's a serious matter.

Items in this report: 48

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Opinion Piece

Benjamin Netan-yahu’s address to Congress was nota-ble in two respects.

Queen Esther got her first standing O in 2,500 years. And President Obama came up empty in his campaign to pre-emptively under-mine Netanyahu before the Israeli prime minister could present his case on the Iran negotiations.

On the contrary. The steady stream of slights and insults turned an irri-tant into an international event and vastly increased the speech’s audience and reach. Instead of dramatically unveiling an Iranian nuclear deal as a fait accompli, Obama must now first defend his Ira-nian diplomacy.

In particular, argues The Washington Post, he must defend its fundamental premise. It had been the policy of every president since 1979 that Islamist Iran must be sanctioned and contained. Obama, however, is betting instead on detente to tame Iran’s aggressive behavior and nuclear ambitions.

For six years, Obama has offered the mullahs an extended hand. He has imagined that with Kissingerian brilliance he would turn the Khamenei regime into a de facto U.S. ally in pacifying the Middle East. For his pains, Obama has been rewarded with an Iran that has ramped up its aggressiveness in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza and Yemen, and brazenly defied the world on uranium enrichment.

He did the same with Russia. He offered Vladimir Putin a new detente. “Reset” he called it. Putin responded by decimating his domestic opposition, unleashing a vicious anti-American pro-paganda campaign, ravaging Ukraine and shaking the post-Cold War European order to its foundations.

Like the Bourbons, how-ever, Obama learns nothing. He persists in believing that Iran’s radical Islamist regime can be turned by sweet rea-son and fine parchment into a force for stability. It’s akin to his refusal to face the true nature of the Islamic State, Iran’s Sunni counterpart. He simply can’t believe that such people actually believe what they say.

That’s what made Netanyahu’s critique of the U.S.-Iran deal so powerful. Especially his dissection of the sunset clause. In about 10 years, the deal expires. Sanctions are lifted and Iran is permitted unlimited ura-nium enrichment with an unlimited number of centri-fuges of unlimited sophis-tication. As The Wall Street Journal’s Bret Stephens points out, we don’t even allow that for democratic South Korea.

The prime minister offered a concrete alterna-tive. Sunset? Yes, but only

after Iran changes its behav-ior, giving up its regional aggression and worldwide support for terror.

Netanyahu’s veiled suggestion was that such a modification — plus a significant reduction in Iran’s current nuclear infra-structure, which the Obama deal leaves intact — could produce a deal that “Israel and its [Arab] neighbors may not like, but with which we could live, literally.”

Obama’s petulant response was: “The prime minister didn’t offer any viable alternatives.” But he just did: conditional sun-set, smaller infrastructure. And if the Iranians walk away, then you ratchet up sanctions, as Con-gress is urging, which, with collapsed oil prices, would render the regime extremely vulnerable.

And if that doesn’t work? Hence Netanyahu’s final point: Israel is prepared to stand alone, a declara-tion that was met with enthusiastic applause reflecting widespread popu-lar support.

It was an important moment, especially because of the libel being perpetrated by some that Netanyahu is trying to get America to go to war with Iran. This is as malicious a calumny as Charles Lind-bergh’s charge on Sep. 11, 1941, that “the three most important groups who have been pressing this country toward war are the British, the Jewish and the Roosevelt administration.”

In its near-70 year his-tory, Israel has never once asked America to fight for it. Not in 1948 when 650,000 Jews faced 40 million Arabs. Not in 1967 when Israel was being encircled and stran-gled by three Arab armies. Not in 1973 when Israel was on the brink of destruction. Not in the three Gaza wars or the two Lebanon wars.

Compare that to a very partial list of nations for which America has fought and for which so many Americans have fallen: Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Vietnam, Korea, and every West European country beginning with France (twice).

Change the deal, strengthen the sanctions, give Israel a free hand. Netanyahu offered a differ-ent path in his clear, bold and often moving address, Churchillian in its appeal to resist appeasement. This was not Churchill of the 1940s, but Churchill of the 1930s, the wilderness prophet. Which is why for all its sonorous strength, Netanyahu’s speech had a terrible poignancy. After all, Churchill was ignored.

While love of country is still very much the dominant

sentiment in the United States and certainly within the state of Idaho, such patriotism does not always translate into a love of our political and civic tradi-tions and the history of the institutions that make our country unique. In fact, study after study seems to suggest that an astonishing percentage of citizens don’t have a basic knowledge of civics that enables active participation as a citizen. As such, we find that key mea-sures of citizen engagement – most notably voter par-ticipation – are in decline.

In November 2014, voter turnout in Idaho’s general election fell to 38 percent of the voting age popula-tion, the first time ever that turnout had fallen below 40 percent. On the eve of his retirement, longtime Sec-retary of State Ben Ysursa called the figure “abysmal,” noting the need to reverse the trend and citing vari-ous efforts that his office undertook during the past several decades to drive broader voter participation.

While such efforts have been laudable, I believe we need a multi-pronged effort to spur more citizen engagement, which needs to begin long before young people turn 18 and become eligible to vote. That’s why I’m focused on turning our attention to civics educa-tion in the schools.

The Idaho Legislature, like nearly 20 legislatures from around the country, is considering a bill (S1071) that would require our stu-dents to pass a civics test – similar to the test adminis-tered to residents looking to become naturalized citizens in the United States – in order to graduate from high school. The test, which asks

questions such as “What are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution called?” and “Who does a U.S. senator represent?” covers foundational elements of our country’s history and system of governance.

Each year, tens of thou-sands of immigrants from every corner of the globe study for and pass (at a very high rate) the civics test on the path to becom-ing a naturalized American citizen. We should expect nothing less from our young people. Some have sug-gested that the test reflects a watered down version of a robust civics education. We feel the content cov-ered in the test is, indeed,

the minimum knowledge that we should expect of any American and that the questions themselves serve as an entry point for richer classroom discus-sions about the workings of government and news that students might be reading or hearing about.

An effective and com-prehensive civics cur-riculum, implemented at the local level by school districts, should make passing such a test a breeze for most students. More importantly, though, by setting a baseline for civics knowledge as a graduation requirement, we send the powerful message to our young people that we want

them to understand how we govern ourselves in this country so that they can use that knowledge to actively uphold both their rights and responsibilities as citizens. If you support this small but meaningful step toward a more-engaged citizenry and a more-informed electorate, please urge your legislators to support Senate Bill 1071.

Netanyahu’s Churchillian Warning

Testing Civics is Right for Idaho

Enough is enough. Within

approximately six weeks, how many cats does one have to trap and take to the pound? Try 19.

It’s no wonder the many bulbs I planted didn’t come up. Little did I know I was growing cat feces. Everyday, my husband cleans up around our yard, works in his woodshop. When my grandchildren come over a few times a week, well, we have to sift through a 10-by-10 sandbox for cat feces. We had to seal off our garage to keep them from tearing up and urinating all over everything. We have a six-foot fence around our yard; these cats just keep coming.

There has to be a solution for this problem. We own three small dogs. We hate doing this but we do not own cats; if we did, they would be inside cats. My husband even cleans up the alley around our property.

Has anyone ever walked in a sewer? People with dogs also need to be responsible for their animals. I think cats should also be registered and licensed just like dogs.

People, please take pride and clean up after your animals. Do not let them run wild.

Gov. Otter said he will welcome

all “new ideas.” He says this with a toothy honest-like smile. Well, with the ambush of not only the “Add the Words” campaign but so many others, like the repeal of “Right to Work,” it should be obvious Otter speaks of welcoming new ideas with the full knowledge his state bureau-cracy will crush anything hinting of change to the established order. If an idea actually benefits hurting and working people of Idaho, it isn’t going to happen.

With that in mind, in evaluating the “Add the Words” campaign, I find such an addition of the “words” unnecessary. The U.S. Constitution begins with “We the People …” so, unless you are not a “people,” you are already legally protected. If you do not have this protection, then the system regards you as not a “people.”

I suggest the primary purpose of the words, as currently stated in the Idaho Constitution and associ-ated codes, has always been dis-criminatory. Simply by making a list of who is or who is not worthy, regardless of the subject, is in itself discrimination.

“My definition of a free society,” remarked Adlai Stevenson, “is a society where it is safe to be unpop-ular.” Thus, all of the people should

have equal protection under the law. But by making a list, any list, our state government denies by willful exclusion protection to people who are “unpopular.”

Linda Brugger penned an op-ed in the March 1 Times-News about her desire for a two-party system of government in the state, much like our desire for a non-parti-san newspaper.

When her party’s platform con-tains the values that the majority of the people stand for, she may realize her desire. For the past six years, we also had a desire for two-party gov-ernment and, for six years, we lacked a two-party system at the federal level because of two people in Wash-ington, D.C. – non-Republicans Harry Reid and Obama.

The Republican Party is now slowly attempting to correct the problem. Our state government is not perfect, but it is a lot better than most.

Raiseidaho.org wants the minimum wage increased in Idaho. I respect their concern for families. Their solution, however, is flawed.

They like to cite studies. As a small-business man, I am telling you that they are wrong. Increased minimum wages will force me to cut marginal workers. It will take control out of employers’ hands and forces them to reward those least deserving of it. It will cost jobs. It also has a more subtle impact.

Here is a novel idea for people to raise their wages: Earn it. My employees make more than mini-mum wage. Those who have not, quite frankly, did not deserve more. They usually move on quickly (of their own accord or mine).

Stop trying to destroy initiative and promote laziness in the name of fairness. Life gives you the rewards you earn. Read Charle Sykes’ “Dumbing Down Our Kids.”

Anyway, don’t demand handouts. Earn them.

Yours truly, A small-business man who frequently pays several employ-ees more than himself (believe me they earn it); sometimes pays dearly for employee incompetence; often worries about making ends meet

(home and work); and constantly worries about accounts payable, taxes, insurance, etc., in addition to payroll.

Great schools are a key to our future in Mini-Cassia and the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce sup-ports and encourages all voters to get out Tuesday, March 10, and cast a ballot in favor of the Cassia County School District bond levy proposal.

The upcoming bond levy is a critical investment in our com-munity infrastructure and one that the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Com-merce supports. Having appropri-ate facilities in our communities is critical to the continued economic vitality and positive quality of life for the community. The availability of quality education is a key deter-mining factor for companies and individuals that are looking to locate in our community.

The Patron Advisory Commit-tee has seen firsthand the needs in our schools as we have taken the time to tour various facilities. With continued growth, keeping up rather than catching up is the most prudent approach to investment in new schools.

This bond will address current heating, sprinkler and mechanical upgrades, capacity constraints, future needs to keep pace with growth, and also improve safety and security for students and staff. The construction projects themselves will also be a signifi-cant contributor to the economic vitality in Mini-Cassia. Passage of the bond levy would allow local companies to become involved in the bidding, design and construc-tion process, generating additional job opportunities.

The board of directors for the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce encourages you to vote “yes” in the March 10 bond levy election. As the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce we represent two counties but we are one community and we stand behind education.

Editor’s note: Kae Cameron is

the executive director of the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce. Board members contributing to the letter are Jen Cutler, Chet Jeppesen, Curtiss Petersen, Tammy Hanks, Bert Ste-venson, LeeAnn Turner, Alicia Tellez, Joe Farfan, Susan Quanstrom, Shel-ley Telleria, Marti Friesen and Amy Christopherson.

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Story Commenting (7) Share Print Font Size:

Basic civics knowledge goal of thislegislation

Posted: Friday, March 6, 2015 12:00 am

JIM PATRICK/Guest Opinion | 7 comments

While love of country is still very much the dominant sentiment in the United States and certainly within the state of Idaho, such patriotismdoes not always translate into a love of our political and civic traditions and the history of the institutions that make our country unique. In fact,study after study seems to suggest that an astonishing percentage of citizens don't have a basic knowledge of civics that enables activeparticipation as a citizen. As such, we find that key measures of citizen engagement most notably voter participation are in decline.

In November 2014, voter turnout in Idaho's general election fell to 38 percent of the voting age population, the first time that turnout had fallenbelow 40 percent. On the eve of his retirement, longtime Secretary of State Ben Ysursa called the figure "abysmal," noting the need toreverse the trend and citing various efforts that his office undertook during the past several decades to drive broader voter participation.While such efforts have been laudable, I believe we need a multipronged effort to spur more citizen engagement, which needs to begin longbefore young people turn 18 and become eligible to vote. That's why I'm focused on turning our attention to civics education in the schools.

The Idaho Legislature, like nearly 20 legislatures from around the country, isconsidering a bill (S1071) that would require our students to pass a civics test similar to the test administered to residents looking to become naturalized citizensin the U.S. to graduate from high school. The test, which asks questions such as,"What are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution called?" and "Who does aU.S. senator represent?" covers foundational elements of our country's history andsystem of governance. Each year, tens of thousands of immigrants from everycorner of the globe study for and pass (at a very high rate) the civics test on thepath to becoming a naturalized American citizen. We should expect nothing lessfrom our young people.

Some have suggested that the test reflects a watered down version of a robustcivics education. We feel the content covered in the test is, indeed, the minimumknowledge that we should expect of any American and that the questionsthemselves serve as an entry point for richer classroom discussions about theworkings of government and news that students might be reading or hearingabout.

An effective and comprehensive civics curriculum, implemented at the local levelby school districts, should make passing such a test a breeze for most students.More importantly, though, by setting a baseline for civics knowledge as agraduation requirement, we send the powerful message to our young people thatwe want them to understand how we govern ourselves in this country so that theycan use that knowledge to actively uphold both their rights and responsibilities ascitizens.

If you support this small but meaningful step toward a more engaged citizenry anda more informed electorate, please urge your legislators to support Senate Bill1071.

Sen. Jim Patrick is a Twin Falls Republican.

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