Requires students to pass test identical to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services civics test as part of high school graduation requirements.
Impact
By implementing this requirement, A2688 aims to enhance civic knowledge among high school graduates in New Jersey. Supporters argue that proficiency in civics is essential for fostering informed and engaged citizens, particularly in a democratic society. The bill therefore seeks to align graduation requirements with crucial knowledge about American government and rights, potentially leading to a more civically literate population.
Summary
Assembly Bill A2688, introduced in New Jersey, proposes to require high school students to pass a civics test identical to the naturalization test used by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services as a condition for graduation. The bill mandates that students must answer at least 60 out of 100 questions correctly on this test, which will be administered starting from the ninth grade. If students fail to achieve a passing score, they are required to retake the test in subsequent years until they succeed. Furthermore, the bill specifies that the results will be documented on the students' high school transcripts.
Contention
However, there are points of contention surrounding the bill. Critics may argue that introducing additional testing requirements could increase pressure on students and potentially disadvantage those who struggle with standardized tests. There may also be concerns regarding how effectively this requirement can gauge a student's overall understanding of civics and whether it will truly contribute to increased civic engagement. The broader implications include discussions about educational equity and balancing standardized testing with comprehensive educational approaches.
Carry Over
Requires students to pass test identical to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services civics test as part of high school graduation requirements.
Requires students to pass test identical to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services civics test as part of high school graduation requirements.
A bill for an act requiring students to pass the United States citizenship and immigration services naturalization civics test as a condition of high school graduation and high school equivalency diplomas.(See HF 165.)
A bill for an act requiring students to pass the United States citizenship and immigration services naturalization civics test as a condition of high school graduation and high school equivalency diplomas.(See SF 369.)
A bill for an act requiring students to pass the United States citizenship and immigration services naturalization civics test as a condition of high school graduation and high school equivalency diplomas.(Formerly HSB 30.)
A bill for an act requiring students to pass the United States citizenship and immigration services naturalization civics test as a condition of high school graduation and high school equivalency diplomas. (Formerly SSB 1030.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.
Requires passage of a test identical to the civics portion of the U.S. Naturalization Test to earn high school credit in Civics. (6/30/15) (OR NO IMPACT See Note)