Yes, civics is not only taught in Florida but is a state-mandated graduation requirement with a unique assessment. Florida statute mandates a full semester of civics education in middle school, specifically in the 7th grade, accompanied by a statewide standardized end-of-course exam.
The structure of how civics is taught in Florida is defined by key pillars:
- Grade-Level Mandate: The course is delivered in 7th grade, ensuring all public school students receive uniform, foundational instruction in U.S. government, citizenship, and constitutional principles.
- Standardized Assessment: Student proficiency is measured by the statewide, computer-based "Civics End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment." This exam score constitutes 30% of the student's final course grade, emphasizing its significance.
- Civic Literacy Competency: Beyond middle school, Florida high school graduates must also demonstrate civic literacy, typically by passing the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Naturalization Test, further embedding this knowledge.
Therefore, civics is taught in Florida through a structured, assessment-driven model designed to ensure mastery of core democratic concepts. This sequential approach, from middle school instruction to high school verification, underscores the state's commitment to formal civic education as a cornerstone of its curriculum.