Topeka, Kansas — Kansas lawmakers are advancing a bill that would require high school students to pass a U.S. citizenship-style civics test to graduate, part of a broader push to expand civic education requirements.
Senate Bill 381, which passed the state Senate in a 26-14 vote, would mandate that students take a 100-question exam based on the U.S. naturalization test. The requirement would apply to public and accredited private schools, with students allowed multiple attempts to pass. The proposal would take effect as early as next school year if approved.
The legislation also directs the State Board of Education to develop curriculum teaching the “negative impacts” of communist and socialist ideologies. Supporters, including bill sponsor Sen. Brad Starnes, argue the measure promotes civic literacy and addresses concerns about younger generations’ understanding of U.S. history and government.
Critics, including education officials, warn the bill may overlap with existing standards and introduce complex political topics at inappropriate grade levels. They also note uncertainty around implementation details, including scoring requirements.
Similar civics testing requirements already exist in states like Arizona and Wisconsin.
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