Bill to require civics test for high school students passes committee

INDIANAPOLIS – Hoosier students could be required to pass a national civics test in order to graduate high school if a bill that passed the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday becomes law.

Senate Bill 269, authored by Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, requires students to take the same test administrated to immigrants by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The test is designed to ensure students have a working knowledge of national government and the country’s history.

Students would have to score a 60 percent on the 100-question test or they would not be awarded a high school diploma. School districts could give the test any time between eighth and twelfth grade and divide the test up anyway they would like.

Students attempting to earn a high school equivalency certificate would need to pass the civics test as well.

The bill passed 7-3 and now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

 

Article writer Erika Brock is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.