June 06, 2018
The Pennsylvania House on Wednesday mandated a civics test for students, though it won't be a necessity to graduate.
The locally-developed test of U.S. history, government and civics would be given to seventh- through 12th-graders.
Gov. Tom Wolf announced plans to sign H.B. 564 hours after the state House voted 167-27 for the measure.
Students who score perfect on the exam will be awarded a certificate developed by the state Education Department.
A school or district can use the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Test to satisfy the requirements for the office, and schools will be required to report how many students took the test and how many passed.
According to supporters, civics knowledge is lacking among American adults.
A number of Philadelphia-area legislators voted nay on the civics exam, including Reps. Brian Sims, Morgan Cephas, Donna Bullock, Madeleine Dean, Margo Davidson and Greg Vitali.
On the governor's signature, the new law would take effect in 60 days.
