Bill Text: HI HB1122 | 2015 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Education; High School Graduation Requirements; Citizenship Exam
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2015-02-02 - Referred to EDN, FIN, referral sheet 6 [HB1122 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2015-HB1122-Introduced.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1122 |
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TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to CIVICS education.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that there is a growing lack of civic awareness, knowledge of how government works, and democratic participation. As more focus is placed on science, technology, English, and math education, attention to civic education continues to diminish. Promoting civics education prepares students to stay informed and encourages civic engagement.
The legislature further finds that in January 2015, Arizona became the first state to require high school students to pass the United States citizenship test on civics before they can graduate. The exam questions are identical to the civics portion of the naturalization test used by the United States citizenship and immigration services. In order to pass the exam, students must correctly answer at least sixty of the one hundred questions. Students can begin taking the exam in the ninth grade and are allowed to retake the test until they pass. This legislative charge is part of a larger nationwide goal of having all fifty states adopt the civic exam requirement by 2017, which is the two hundred and thirtieth anniversary of the United States Constitution. Fifteen other states are expected to consider such legislation this year.
The purpose of this Act is to require high school students to pass the United States citizenship exam in order to obtain a high school diploma.
SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- US Citizenship Exam; graduation requirement. (a) Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, the department shall require students to pass the United States citizenship exam in order to graduate from high school or obtain a high school diploma. All high school students must correctly answer at least sixty of the one hundred questions listed on a test that is identical to the civics portion of the naturalization test used by the United States citizenship and immigration services.
(b) Every student, beginning with students entering the ninth grade, shall be provided with an opportunity to take the civics test at least once per school year. A student may repeat the test as often as necessary to demonstrate proficiency. The test requirement does not apply to a student who is exempted in accordance with the student's individualized educational plan.
(c) The school district or charter school may determine the method and manner in which to administer the test. A district school or charter school shall document on the student's transcript that the student has passed the United States citizenship exam."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Education; High School Graduation Requirements; Citizenship Exam
Description:
Requires students to pass the United States citizenship exam in order to receive a high school diploma.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
