United States Citizenship Test; require as a condition for high school graduation.
Impact
The bill also amends Section 37-16-7 of the Mississippi Code, which outlines graduation standards for high school students by establishing the demonstration of civics proficiency as a new criterion. Schools will have the responsibility to integrate this new requirement into their curricula. Additionally, the State Board of Education is tasked with providing the necessary resources for administering the civics test, ensuring that no fees are imposed for this requirement. The law will take effect for students graduating in or after the 2025-2026 school year.
Summary
Senate Bill 2184 mandates that proficiency in civics be demonstrated as a graduation requirement for high school students in Mississippi. This proficiency is to be assessed by requiring students to take and pass the United States Citizenship Test, which consists of 100 questions regarding U.S. history and government. To earn their diplomas, students must correctly answer at least 80% of these questions. This requirement will be incorporated into the U.S. History curriculum, starting with the 2023-2024 academic year, which must cover historical knowledge from the settlement of Jamestown in 1607 to the present day.
Contention
The introduction of this bill may spark discussions regarding the appropriateness of using the Citizenship Test as a measure of civic knowledge for high school students. Proponents of the bill argue that it will enhance civic understanding among young adults, better preparing them for responsible citizenship. However, opponents may raise concerns about the implications of standardized testing on education, including potential disparities in educational resources and support for students who may struggle with the test, such as those with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). The requirement could also impact schools with lower graduation rates, as they may need to adjust their programs to help students meet this new standard.