Virginia House Bill HB929

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Public high school students; civics benchmark assessment.

Impact

The implementation of HB929 is expected to enhance civics education within the state, ensuring that students gain a thorough understanding of civic responsibilities and governmental processes. This assessment aims to provide measurable outcomes for student performance in civics, thus aiding in policy development and improvements in civics teaching methods across public schools. The annual reports compiled by the Board will offer insights into how well students are grasping the material, which can guide educational strategies at both the state and local school division levels.

Summary

House Bill 929 introduces a requirement for a civics benchmark assessment for public high school students in Virginia. The bill mandates the Board of Education to develop and provide each school board with the civics benchmark assessment. Every public high school student must take this assessment at least once during their high school years, specifically between grades nine and twelve, unless specified otherwise by their individualized education program.

Contention

While the bill may appear beneficial for fostering civic knowledge, there could be areas of contention regarding the practicality of such assessments. Concerns may arise about the added stress on students and teachers, potential resource allocation issues, and the need for adequate preparation for the assessments. Additionally, discussions may emerge surrounding the adequacy of the civics curriculum to support this mandate and ensure that assessments align with meaningful civic engagement rather than rote memorization.