What are the first three words of the U.S. Constitution? How many amendments are there? Which branch of government interprets the Constitution?
Starting this fall, Idaho high school students will be expected to know answers to questions like these — and more — under new civics graduation requirements.
The requirements, which took effect July 1, expand civics coursework and introduce a graduation test to measure students’ knowledge of American history, government and civic responsibilities.
It’s your turn, grown-ups (and no Googling). Take our quizzes on Idaho history and America 250. Send your scores to jschrader@idahoednews.org for a chance to win EdNews swag.
With America’s 250th anniversary approaching, supporters of the requirements say the changes will improve civic knowledge and foster long-term engagement across the state.
“We’re focusing on what led to our 250th anniversary,” said Meg Goudy, director of the Bill & Milly Kay Baldwin Center for Education. “(The changes) reflect a broader commitment to preparing students not just for graduation, but for citizenship by cultivating a generation that understands its history, values and freedoms.”
The revisions came from Senate Bill 1336, which requires high school students to take a year of American history and a year of American government. Teachers of those subjects must also dive deeper into the Magna Carta and the Constitution.
The bill also emphasizes civic virtues, including prudence, justice, fortitude, moderation and patriotism.
State superintendent Debbie Critchfield’s department will oversee the new test’s development. It replaces a previous civics exam required for graduation, which took 100 questions from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services citizenship test. Like the prior test, students can take the new exam as many times as needed to pass.
Students can also be recognized for their efforts. House Bill 712 created a new program recognizing students for civic engagement through the Idaho State Seal of Excellence in Civics. The program will honor schools where at least 75% of graduates earn the Civic Seal. Those students will receive a literacy seal on their diploma and wear an extra graduation cord.
Requirements for earning the Civics Seal include scoring at least 90% on the Idaho civics test, completing a civics project and demonstrating civic participation through community service or engagement event.
