R277-475. Patriotic, Civic, and Character Education

R277.  Education, Administration.

R277-475.  Patriotic, Civic, and Character Education.

R277-475-1.  Authority, Purpose, and Oversight Category.

          (1)  This rule is authorized by:

          (a)  the Utah Constitution Article X, Section 3 which vests general control and supervision of the public school system under the Board;

          (b)  Subsection 53E-3-401(4) which allows the Board to adopt rules in accordance with its responsibilities; and

          (c)  Section 53G-10-304 which directs the Board to provide a rule for a program of instruction within the public schools relating to the flag of the United States.

          (2)  The purpose of this rule is to provide direction for patriotic, civic, and character education programs in an LEA.

          (3)  This Rule is categorized as Category 3 as described in Rule R277-111.

R277-475-2.  Definitions.

          (1)  "Character education" means the same as that term is defined in Subsection 53G-10-204(1)(a).

          (2)  "Civic education" means the same as that term is defined in Subsection 53G-10-204(1)(b).

          (3)  "LEA" includes for purposes of this rule, the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.

          (4)  "Patriotic" means having love of and dedication to one's country.

          (5)  "Patriotic education" means the educational and systematic process to help students identify, acquire, and act upon a dedication to one's country.

R277-475-3.  Patriotic, Civic, and Character Education.

          (1)  An LEA shall provide instruction for patriotic, civic, and character education in the social studies curricula of kindergarten through grade 12.

          (2)  An LEA shall ensure an educator has responsibility for patriotic, civic, and character education taught in an integrated school curriculum and in the regular course of school work.

          (3)  The Superintendent shall review LEA curricula and activities to ensure the effective instruction of American history and government on a rolling six-year basis.

          (4)  Instructional materials of a religious nature may be undertaken within public schools as outlined in Section 53G-10-202.

          (a)  Content-based censorship of American history and heritage documents may not occur due to their religious or cultural nature; and

          (b)  may include documents referenced in Section 53G-10-302.

R277-475-4.  School Responsibilities and Required Instruction.

          (1)  An LEA shall:

          (a)  ensure that any patriotic, civic, and character education programs are consistent with the requirements of Sections 53G-10-302, 53G-10-304, and 53G-10-204;

          (b)  provide the setting and opportunities to teach patriotic values associated with the flag of the United States by example; and

          (c)  make information about the flag, respect for the flag, and civility toward any during patriotic activities available on the LEA's website.

          (2)  An LEA shall provide instruction in United States history and government that includes the following:

          (a)  a study of forms of government including:

          (i)  a republic;

          (ii)  a pure democracy;

          (iii)  a monarchy; and

          (iv)  an oligarchy.

          (b)  political philosophies and economic systems including:

          (i)  socialism;

          (ii)  individualism; and

          (iii)  free market capitalism.

          (c)  the United States' form of government: a compound constitutional republic; and

          (d)  the flag of the United States and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag consistent with:

          (i)  Subsection 53G-10-304(2);

          (ii)  Section 76-9-601;

          (iii)  the plan of the social studies Core curriculum in grades kindergarten through six; and

          (iv)  Subsection 53G-10-304(3).

R277-475-5.  Parental Notice of Pledge of Allegiance.

          (1)  An LEA shall adequately notify students and parents of lawful exemptions to the requirement to participate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

          (2)  An LEA may require an annual written request from a student's parent if a student or the student's parent requests that the student be excused from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

KEY:  curricula, patriotic education, civic education, character education

Date of Last Change:  August 7, 2024

Notice of Continuation:  June 7, 2024

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law:  Art X Sec 3; 53G-10-304; 53E-3-401(4)

Status of Rule

Effective August 7, 2024

Five-year review June 7, 2029

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Oversight Framework

Category 3

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Related Utah Law

Public Education Statutes
53G-10-202

53G-10-204

53G-10-302

53G-10-304

Other Statutes
76-9-601

USBE Administrative Rules
R277-100, Definitions for USBE Rules

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Related Federal Law

None

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Resources

None

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Contact Information

Primary Contact:
Robert Austin
robert.austin@schools.utah.gov
Social Studies

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This page was last updated on November 6, 2024.

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NOTE: The information on this webpage is provided as a service to users and the Utah State Board of Education is not responsible for any errors or omissions.

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