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Utah Administrative Code (Current through November 1, 2019) |
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R277. Education, Administration |
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R277-475. Patriotic, Civic and Character Education |
| R277-475-1. Definitions |
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A. "Board" means the Utah State Board of Education. B. "Character education" means reaffirming values and qualities of character which promote an upright and desirable citizenry. C. "Civic education" means the cultivation of informed, responsible participation in political life by competent citizens committed to the fundamental values and principles of representative democracy in Utah and the United States. D. "LEA" means a local education agency, including local school boards/public school districts, charter schools, and, for purposes of this rule, the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. E. "Patriotic" means having love of and dedication to one's country. F. "Patriotic education" means the educational and systematic process to help students identify, acquire, and act upon a dedication to one's country. |
| R277-475-2. Authority and Purpose |
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A. This rule is authorized by Utah Constitution Article X, Section 3 which vests general control and supervision of the public school system under the Board, by 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, and by Subsection 53E-3-401(4), which allows the Board to adopt rules in accordance with its responsibilities. B. The purpose of this rule is to provide direction for patriotic education programs in the public schools. |
| R277-475-3. Patriotic Education |
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An LEA shall teach patriotic education in the social studies curricula of kindergarten through grade twelve. All educators shall have responsibility for patriotic, civic and character education taught in an integrated school curriculum and in the regular course of school work. |
| R277-475-4. School Responsibilities and Required Instruction |
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A. Patriotic, civic and character education programs shall meet the requirements of Sections 53G-10-302, 53G-10-304, and 53G-10-204. B. An LEA shall teach students the history of the flag, etiquette, customs pertaining to the display and use of the flag, and other patriotic exercises consistent with Subsection 53G-10-304(2). C. The school shall provide the setting and opportunities to teach by example and role modeling patriotic values associated with the flag of the United States. D. The USOE shall, under the direction of the Board, provide guidelines for both elementary age students and secondary students about the flag and patriotic exercises. E. Instruction in United States history and government shall include: (1) a study of forms of government including: (a) a republic; (b) a pure democracy; (c) a monarchy; and (d) an oligarchy. (2) political philosophies and economic systems including: (a) socialism; (b) individualism; and (c) free market capitalism. (3) the United States' form of government, a compound constitutional republic. |
| R277-475-5. Requirements |
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A. Education about the flag and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag shall be taught and modeled following the plan of the social studies Core Curriculum in grades kindergarten through six. B. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag shall be recited by students at the beginning of each school day in each public school classroom in the state, consistent with Subsection 53G-10-304(3). C. At least once a year students shall be instructed that: (1) participation in the Pledge of Allegiance is voluntary and not compulsory; (2) it is acceptable for an individual to choose not to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance for religious or other reasons; and (3) students should show respect for individuals who participate and individuals who choose not to participate. D. A public school teacher shall strive to maintain an atmosphere among students in the classroom that is consistent with the principles described in R277-475-5C. |
| R277-475-6. Parental Responsibilities |
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A. An LEA shall adequately notify students and parents of lawful exemptions to the requirement to participate in reciting the Pledge. B. A school may require an annual written request from a student's parent or legal guardian if a student or the student's parent or legal guardian requests that the student be excused from reciting the Pledge. |
| R277-475-7. Civic Engagement |
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A. A public school shall display IN GOD WE TRUST, the national motto of the United States, in one or more prominent places in each school building, consistent with Subsection 53G-10-302(6). B. Civic and character education shall be achieved through an integrated school curriculum and in the regular course of school work. C. Instruction in United States history and government shall be taught consistent with the Utah social studies core curriculum and Section 53G-10-302. D. An LEA shall make information about the flag, respect for the flag and civility toward all during patriotic activities available on the LEA's website. |
| R277-475-8. Reporting Requirements |
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A. The Board shall submit a report to the Education Interim Committee consistent with Subsection 53G-10-204(7). B. Each school district and the State Charter School Board shall submit a report to the Lieutenant Governor and the Commission on Civic and Character Education consistent with Subsection 53G-10-204(6). |