HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.C.R. NO.

129

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

urging the department of education to require students to complete and pass the civics portion of the United States citizenship test in order to graduate from high school or obtain a high school diploma.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, a basic understanding of United States civics and history is essential to becoming actively engaged citizens; and

 

     WHEREAS, in 2015 Arizona became the first state to require high school students to pass the United States citizenship test on civics before they can graduate; and

 

     WHEREAS, the questions listed on the high school test are identical to the civics portion of the naturalization test administered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services; and

 

     WHEREAS, the test questions cover various topics in United States history, government, and the Constitution of the United States; and

 

     WHEREAS, several other states joined Arizona in requiring students to pass the test in order to graduate; and

 

     WHEREAS, promoting civic education encourages Hawaii's youth to stay informed and engaged; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2024, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Education is urged to require students to complete and pass the civics portion of the United States citizenship test in order to graduate from high school or obtain a high school diploma; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Department of Education is requested to provide all students, beginning with students entering the ninth grade, with an opportunity to take the test at least once per school year and allow them to repeat the test as often as necessary to demonstrate proficiency; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Superintendent of Education, Chairperson of the Board of Education, and President of the Hawaii State Teachers Association.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

Report Title: 

Department of Education; High School; Graduation; Citizenship Test