Arizona will require civics exam as condition for high school graduation

by Ben Bullard 
Arizona lawmakers have made the state the first in the U.S. to require a basic understanding of civics in order for students to receive high school diplomas.
New Republican Gov. Doug Ducey signed into law last week a bill making the test mandatory, although the law leaves it up to schools how best to instruct students to prepare to pass it.
In September, Republican State Rep. Steve Montenegro proposed that the state require students to pass the same 100-question civics test the federal government uses to test foreigners who apply for U.S. naturalization.
“Every single student in Arizona and across the United States of America should have basic knowledge and understanding of American government,” Montenegro said at the time.

According to The Arizona Republic, the civics requirement has set a precedent that 17 other states may soon follow. A consultant pushing the legislation in state houses across the country said North Dakota is likely to be the next state to implement the change.
While the law has its critics, it has been well received by others.
Moses Sanchez, a Tempe parent, shared his enthusiasm for the new requirement — one born of personal experience.
“As an immigrant and naturalized citizen, I observed and assisted my parents as they studied for their citizenship test and shared in their pride as they passed it,” he told the Arizona Senate Education Committee. “As a parent, I support this bill.”

While the naturalization process requires a foreign applicant to correctly answer 6 out of 10 questions administered verbally by an immigration official, the Arizona schools version will require students to correctly answer 60 questions out of 100. Students can take the test as early as their 8^th grade year, and can retake it until they pass.