Civics Test; require passing score for high school graduates and high school equivalency diploma applicants.
The bill amends relevant sections of the Mississippi Code of 1972, specifically Sections 37-16-7 and 37-35-9. The implementation of this testing requirement will take effect starting in the 2025-2026 school year for high school students and from January 1, 2025, for high school equivalency diploma applicants. By embedding this civics testing requirement into graduation mandates, schools will need to develop and administer corresponding assessments. This could potentially reshape curriculum development in Mississippi’s education system, emphasizing civics education.
Senate Bill 2174 seeks to enhance civic education in Mississippi by stipulating that high school graduates must pass at least 60% of the civics portion of the Naturalization Test utilized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This requirement is aimed at ensuring students possess a basic understanding of U.S. government and history as they graduate, thereby promoting informed citizenship. The bill applies to both high school students and those seeking a high school equivalency diploma, establishing a standardized assessment of civic knowledge across the state.
While supporters believe that the bill will bolster civic knowledge and contribute to creating more engaged citizens, there are concerns regarding the resource allocation and the additional burden on school districts to implement the necessary assessments. Critics may argue that focusing on a standardized test as a graduation requirement could detract from other vital areas of education and may disproportionately affect students from varying educational backgrounds. Additionally, there are considerations on how this new requirement may interact with existing Individualized Education Programs for students with special needs.