Gov. Doug Ducey has signed SB 1444, establishing the state as a leader in civics education through the American Civics Education Pilot Program for grades nine to 12. 

Students in the program will take at least one semester of an American Civics course and an assessment at the end of the class. 

In 2015, Ducey's first bill that he signed as governor was the American Civics Act, which requires all graduating Arizona students to pass a basic civics test prior to their graduation. Arizona was the first state to implement such law. 

“Arizona led the nation when we became the first state to pass the American Civics Act,” Ducey said. "I’m proud to continue that leadership by establishing a program that recognizes students for their civics achievements. We have a responsibility to ensure tomorrow’s leaders are equipped with an understanding of our country’s founding principles and democratic institutions. Arizona will continue to be a model for the rest of the nation in advancing civics education."

This year, Ducey also signed HB 2561 that creates the State Seal of Civics Literacy Program, with an aim to recognize students who achieve a high proficiency in American civics.