Chap. 236.——An ACT to amend and re-enact Section 688 of the Code of Vir-
ginia, as heretofore amended, relating to the subjects to be taught in the
public schools of the State. [S B 176]

Approved March 26, 1938

1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia, That sec-
tion six hundred and eighty-eight of the Code of Virginia, as hereto-
fore amended, be amended and re-enacted so as to read as follows:

Section 688. What to Be Taught in School_—In the elementary
grades of every public school the following subjects shall be taught:
spelling, reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, geography, physiology,
and hygiene, drawing, civil government, history of the United States
and history of Virginia.

In preparing the course of study in civics and history in both the
elementary and high school grades, the State Board of Education shall
give careful directions for, and shall require, the teaching of the Dec-
laration of American Independence, the Virginia Statute of Religious
Freedom, the Virginia Bill of Rights and section fifty-eight of the
Constitution of Virginia, which subjects shall be carefully read and
studied, thoroughly explained and taught by teachers to all pupils in
accordance with the State course of study, which course of study shall
require written examinations as to each of the last four mentioned
great documents of Virginia’s history at the end of the term in which
the course is given. An outline shall likewise be given of the Constt-
tution of the United States and the general principles of the Constitu-
tion shall be carefully explained.

In one or more of the elementary grades or in one or more of
the high school grades of every public school there shall be provided
course of study including elementary training in accident prevention
in proper conduct on streets and highways, in the operation of moto
vehicles as required by the traffic laws of this State, and in ways anc
means of preventing loss of lives and damage to property througl
preventable fires. Such course shall be required of every pupil com
pleting the course of study in any such school.
In physiology and hygiene the textbook and course of study shal
treat the evil effects of alcohol and other narcotics on the humar
system.

Physical and health education shall be emphasized throughout the
course by proper lessons, drills and physical exercises set up by the
State Board of Education.

The entire scheme of training shall emphasize moral education
through lessons given by teachers and imparted by appropriate read-
ing selections.