Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1720

Introduced
9/26/23  

Caption

In high schools, further providing for assessment of civic knowledge.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1720 will directly influence high school curricula and graduation requirements across Pennsylvania. By mandating a civic knowledge assessment, the bill seeks not only to emphasize the importance of civic education but also to standardize evaluation criteria for students statewide. Furthermore, it mandates the issuance of certificates for students achieving perfect scores, potentially promoting a culture of excellence and recognition within civic education. Such requirements aim to prepare students for active participation in democracy as informed citizens.

Summary

House Bill 1720 aims to enhance the civic knowledge assessment requirements for high school students in Pennsylvania. Starting from the 2023-2024 school year, educational institutions must administer a civics assessment that aligns with United States history, government, and fundamental civic principles. The bill proposes that students be required to take a standardized assessment, specifically the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Test, allowing multiple attempts to attain a passing score of at least 60 percent. This requirement is seen as a tool to ensure that high school graduates possess a requisite understanding of their civic duties and rights.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1720 appears to be generally positive among proponents who advocate for strengthening civic education. Supporters argue that increased civic literacy is crucial for the health of democracy and empowers students to be informed voters and engaged citizens. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the feasibility of implementation and the pressure on students, especially those with differing educational needs. Balancing these perspectives suggests a commitment to enhancing civic education while also considering the diverse capabilities of students.

Contention

Notable points of contention include potential challenges in effectively administering the citizenship test and whether this standardized assessment will adequately accommodate students with individualized education programs. Critics may voice concerns about the emphasis on a single assessment potentially not capturing the full scope of civic understanding. Additionally, the mandating of specific testing could be seen as a limitation on schools' flexibility to design customized civic education programs that meet the needs of their unique student populations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1373

In high schools, further providing for assessment of civic knowledge.

PA HB776

In high schools, further providing for assessment of civic knowledge.

PA HB795

In high schools, further providing for courses of study.

PA HB856

In sales and use tax, further providing for assessment; in personal income tax, further providing for assessment; in corporate net income tax, further providing for assessments; in procedure and administration, further providing for petition for reassessment; and, in general provisions, further providing for petitions for refunds and providing for compromise or adjustment of assessments.

PA SB84

In construction and renovation of buildings by school entities, further providing for definitions and for building condition assessments.

PA HB2293

In charter schools, further providing for enrollment.

PA SB930

In student supports, further providing for definitions; in school safety and security, further prov iding for definitions, for School Safety and Security Committee, for school safety and security assessment providers, for School Safety and Security Grant Program, for school safety and security coordinator, for school safety and security training and for reporting and memorandum of understanding; in school security, further providing for training, for school resource officers, for school security guards and for duties of commission; in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions, for Safe2Say Program and for annual report; in threat assessment, further providing for definitions, for threat assessment teams and for threat assessment guidelines, training and information materials; and making editorial changes.

PA HB2424

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools.

PA HB1045

In school health services, further providing for seizure recognition and related first aid training.

PA HB613

In higher education accountability and transparency, further providing for comparison tool.

Similar Bills

TX HB5337

Relating to requiring a person to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB16

Relating to requiring a person to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote, including the eligibility of certain voters to vote a limited federal ballot if the voter cannot supply the required proof and the procedures for the counting of those ballots; creating criminal offenses.

AZ HB2038

Voter registration; citizenship proof

CA AJR5

Birthright citizenship.

CA SR32

(2025-2026)

IA SF2203

A bill for an act relating to the verification of United States citizenship of persons registering to vote and registered voters. (Formerly SSB 3045.)