Rep. Deb Wallace, D-Vancouver, says that when high school students from Evergreen High School told her they thought their history class curriculum wasn't full enough, she did a double-take.

The students explained that their history curriculum didn't take long to learn, and they'd like to fill some of that time learning more about civics, culture and politics. Wallace immediately jumped at the chance to help.

"I think it's a great idea, and these students made a great case for their cause," says Wallace. "I was honored to help in any way I could."

Wallace says that with voter participation rates declining and studies showing that fewer students can name important political leaders, she agrees that it's time for a course-correction.

Currently, high school students are required to take a half-credit of Washington State History in order to graduate. Wallace's House Bill 1778 will modernize the state's history class curriculum so students can cover more content in the same amount of time. The new class would be called “Washington State in the Global Economy” and the curriculum would consist of four parts:

   - Washington history and culture
   - State Constitution and state politics
   - Washington geography
   - Commerce in Washington and its place in the global economy

The bill was heard in the House Education Committee last week, where students and teachers from Evergreen High School phoned in to testify on behalf of the legislation. The students then followed up with phone calls and e-mails to Education Committee leaders urging them to pass the bill out of committee.

Their efforts paid off. The bill was passed out of the House Education Committee this week and Wallace says all the credit goes to the kids who spent a lot of time lobbying for the legislation.

"These kids worked hard to get their bill off the ground," said Wallace. "If this bill passes, all of Washington's high school students will benefit. It's a terrific example of what our community's young leaders are doing to make a difference."

Additional information on the bill as well as an audio link to the hearing testimony can be found here:
Rep. Deb Wallace - 17th Legislative District
(360)786-7976
email Deb Wallace