Education Department would offer civics grants if Congress provides money

The Education Department would award competitive grants for public school civics programs and teacher training. State education agencies could apply. Colleges, community groups, and nonprofit groups could apply through partnerships with a state agency or school district. Congress would still need to provide the money. Half the funding would support teacher training, and half would support civics programs. Each half would be split equally between state education agencies and other eligible applicants.

State education agencies could hold competitions to pass grant money to school districts. Only school districts served by the state education agency could receive these grants. A school would count as high-need if it is in an area where at least 30% of students come from families below the poverty line. Districts would have to use the money for the same approved activities as the state's grant.

Federal education planning and national testing requirements would include civics and history alongside reading and math. The requirements would cover state and school district education plans and the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a federal student testing program. Civics and history test results would have to be available nationwide and separately for each state.

The Education Department would run an Office of Civic Education led by an assistant secretary. A 12-member advisory committee would include students, civics teachers, education agencies, and nonprofit groups. The education secretary would make the final decisions on grant recipients. The advisory committee would have to be established within 180 days after enactment.