This week, I introduced Senate Bill 273 in the Missouri Senate, which will create and enact the Missouri Civics Education Initiative. This program will not only ensure high school graduates in Missouri have a basic knowledge of United States’ history and civics, but also requires testing of such knowledge.

As a retired teacher, it saddens me that so many of our young Missourians do not know or understand the history of this country or state. Senate Bill 273 would require public, charter and private high school students, as well as students seeking a high school equivalency certificate, to receive a passing grade on a basic civics test. Students who are taught through an Individual Education Program (IEP) may be exempt if that student’s IEP committee recommends it.

These exams are designed to emulate the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services testing requirements. It will consist of the same one hundred questions used on the civics portion of the United States Naturalization test. The materials would cover the United States’ constitution and governmental processes along with American history, geography and institutions. Students may take this test as many times as needed to receive a passing score. 

Testing this way, and requiring it for graduation, would put the responsibility on the students to take what they are being taught seriously.  Teachers are already required to teach the information that is on the test, so there is no reason that students shouldn’t be able to pass it.

It is tremendously important that today’s youth know how this country began.  If we require those wanting to become citizens of the United States to know the foundations and laws of our country, why would we not require the same of our children?  Our form of government is designed to operate with a citizenry that is informed and participates.  We must make sure our future generations become or remain informed so they understand the importance of their involvement.

If passed, the Missouri Civics Education Initiative would take effect Jan. 1, 2016.