§ 27-510

Patriotism, principles of representative government, and elementary civics education. (a) American patriotism and the principles of representative government, as enunciated in the American Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and the proper use and display of the American flag shall be taught in all public schools and other educational institutions supported or maintained in whole or in part by public funds. No student may receive a certificate of graduation without passing a satisfactory examination upon such subjects, which may be administered remotely. This instruction may be taught alongside the curriculum in the one semester of civics education for students in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade under subsection (b) of this Section. (b) Every public elementary school shall include at least one semester of civics education in its 6th, 7th, or 8th grade curriculum. This instruction shall help young people acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and responsible citizens throughout their lives. The course content shall be in accordance with the Illinois Learning Standards for Social Science and shall include discussion on current societal issues, service learning, simulations of the democratic process, and instruction on the method of voting at elections by means of the Australian Ballot system. (c) The Pledge of Allegiance shall be recited each school day by pupils in elementary and secondary educational institutions supported or maintained in whole or in part by public funds.

Legislative History

(Source: P.A. 104-391, eff. 8-15-25.)