Pennsylvania House Bill HB1720

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/26/23
• Refer: 9/26/23

Caption

In high schools, further providing for assessment of civic knowledge.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1720 will directly influence high school curricula and graduation requirements across Pennsylvania. By mandating a civic knowledge assessment, the bill seeks not only to emphasize the importance of civic education but also to standardize evaluation criteria for students statewide. Furthermore, it mandates the issuance of certificates for students achieving perfect scores, potentially promoting a culture of excellence and recognition within civic education. Such requirements aim to prepare students for active participation in democracy as informed citizens.

Summary

House Bill 1720 aims to enhance the civic knowledge assessment requirements for high school students in Pennsylvania. Starting from the 2023-2024 school year, educational institutions must administer a civics assessment that aligns with United States history, government, and fundamental civic principles. The bill proposes that students be required to take a standardized assessment, specifically the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Test, allowing multiple attempts to attain a passing score of at least 60 percent. This requirement is seen as a tool to ensure that high school graduates possess a requisite understanding of their civic duties and rights.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1720 appears to be generally positive among proponents who advocate for strengthening civic education. Supporters argue that increased civic literacy is crucial for the health of democracy and empowers students to be informed voters and engaged citizens. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the feasibility of implementation and the pressure on students, especially those with differing educational needs. Balancing these perspectives suggests a commitment to enhancing civic education while also considering the diverse capabilities of students.

Contention

Notable points of contention include potential challenges in effectively administering the citizenship test and whether this standardized assessment will adequately accommodate students with individualized education programs. Critics may voice concerns about the emphasis on a single assessment potentially not capturing the full scope of civic understanding. Additionally, the mandating of specific testing could be seen as a limitation on schools' flexibility to design customized civic education programs that meet the needs of their unique student populations.