New Jersey Assembly Bill A3346

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/22
• Refer: 3/7/22

Caption

Requires students to pass test identical to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services civics test as part of high school graduation requirements.

Impact

If passed, A3346 would necessitate significant changes to the educational curriculum and assessment methods used by school districts across the state. Schools will need to implement the test as an essential part of their graduation criteria, which may involve allocating resources to prepare students for the exam. Furthermore, educators will have to document and report students' test results on their high school transcripts, thereby integrating civic proficiency into formal educational metrics. This change aims to promote a more informed and engaged citizenry among future generations.

Summary

Bill A3346, introduced in New Jersey, aims to enhance students' understanding of civics as a prerequisite for high school graduation. Specifically, the bill mandates that students must pass a test identical to the civics portion of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization test. This requirement is set to apply starting from the 2015-2016 school year, with students first taking the test in the ninth grade. The intent of the bill is to improve civic knowledge among high school graduates, ensuring they are equipped with fundamental knowledge of the government and their responsibilities as citizens.

Contention

While proponents argue that requiring a civics test will bolster civic engagement and awareness, critics may contend that such requirements could impose undue stress on students and detract from other essential academic subjects. Questions regarding the appropriateness of testing methods and the potential for disparities in resource availability among different school districts could arise. Additionally, concerns about the impact this requirement may have on graduation rates are likely to be discussed among stakeholders, as students who do not pass the test will need to retake it until they achieve the required score.