Bill > HB1373

This bill amends the Public School Code to modify the civic knowledge assessment requirements for Pennsylvania high school students. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, instead of a locally developed assessment, schools will be required to administer the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Test (USCIS Test) to students in grades seven through twelve. Students must score at least 60% on this test to graduate high school and may retake the test as many times as needed to achieve a passing score. The bill requires the state Department of Education to conduct biennial electronic surveys of school entities to track test administration, including data on the number of students who took and passed the test. Schools will also be required to issue a certificate of recognition to students who achieve a perfect score on the test. Students with individualized education programs (IEPs) may be exempt from taking the test depending on their specific program provisions. This change aims to standardize civic education assessment and ensure students have a basic understanding of U.S. government, citizenship, and civic responsibilities.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1373