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HB 2034

Requiring high school students to pass a test on the US Constitution to graduate from high school

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathan Pinson and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 2034 requires West Virginia high school students to pass a Constitution test with at least 85% to graduate, enhancing civic education and engagement.

To House Education
#education(k12)
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Bill Summary · HB 2034

Summary of House Bill 2034

Bill Number: HB 2034
Title: Requiring high school students to pass a test on the US Constitution to graduate from high school
Status: To House Education
Introduced: February 12, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Education (K12)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2034 aims to enhance civic education in West Virginia by mandating that all high school students must pass a test on the United States Constitution as a prerequisite for graduation. The bill seeks to ensure that students possess a thorough understanding of the Constitution, its principles, and its significance in American governance.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

  1. Testing Requirement:

    • Students must pass a test on the United States Constitution during grades nine through twelve to be eligible for graduation.

  2. Test Development:

    • The test will be created by the State Board of Education and distributed to local county boards of education for implementation.

  3. Passing Criteria:

    • A high passing grade of 85% or better is required to successfully complete the test.

  4. Public Accessibility:

    • The contents of the test will be made available to the public for review, promoting transparency and accountability.

  5. Retake Policy:

    • Students who do not pass the test on their first attempt will have the opportunity to retake it one week later. They can continue to retake the test until they achieve the required passing score.

  6. Effective Date:

    • The provisions of this bill will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Impact

  • Students: The primary impact of this bill will be on high school students in West Virginia, who will need to prepare for and pass the Constitution test to graduate.
  • Educators: Teachers and school administrators will need to incorporate the test into their curricula and ensure that students are adequately prepared.
  • State Board of Education: The Board will be responsible for developing the test and ensuring its rigorous standards are met.

Legislative Actions

  • February 12, 2025: The bill was filed for introduction and referred to the Committee on Education.
  • February 12, 2025: The bill was introduced in the House and subsequently sent to the House Education Committee for further consideration.

This bill represents a significant step towards reinforcing civic knowledge among high school graduates in West Virginia, aiming to foster informed and engaged citizens.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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