Relating to inclusion of a civics test in the graduation requirements for public high school students.
If passed, HB 1195 will amend the Texas Education Code to ensure that beginning with the cohort entering ninth grade in the 2017-2018 school year, the civics test becomes a formal part of the curriculum. School districts are tasked with administering the test at designated times throughout the school year and must offer flexibility by allowing students to take the test online. This change could affect the standardization of civics education across the state’s high schools, potentially leading to higher levels of civic understanding among graduates.
House Bill 1195 proposes the inclusion of a civics test as a graduation requirement for public high school students in Texas. The bill mandates that each student must pass a civics test that aligns with the questions administered during the naturalization process by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The test will consist of multiple choice questions, and students are required to answer at least 70 percent correctly to obtain their high school diploma. This legislation is intended to enhance civic knowledge and engagement among students in Texas.
While the bill's proponents argue that it will foster greater civic literacy among young Texans, critics may express concerns regarding the fairness and feasibility of the implementation. For instance, some might point out that the requirement could disproportionately affect students who struggle with standardized testing, raising questions about equitable access to educational opportunities. Moreover, concerns about additional stress on students and the relevance of the material tested may fuel debate among educators and policymakers about the value of tying graduation to performance on the civics test.