Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1373

Introduced

5/2/25

Refer

5/2/25

Caption

In high schools, further providing for assessment of civic knowledge.

Impact

Upon enactment, HB 1373 would position civic knowledge assessment as a critical component of Pennsylvania's high school educational framework. By introducing a standardized test in civics and history, it aims to enhance the quality of civic education among students. Schools would have the autonomy to determine how the assessment is administered while being urged to maintain a focus on constitutional principles and citizenship responsibilities. This shift is expected to bolster civic awareness and engagement among graduates, which proponents argue is essential for a functioning democracy.

Summary

House Bill 1373 aims to amend the Public School Code of 1949 by instituting a requirement for high school assessment of civic knowledge. The bill mandates that all school entities administer at least one assessment related to United States history, government, and civics to students in grades seven through twelve beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. This assessment can be satisfied by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Test, and students must achieve a minimum score of sixty percent to meet graduation requirements. The bill also stipulates that students who achieve a perfect score will receive a certificate of recognition.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1373 appears to be supportive, particularly among legislators advocating for enhanced civic engagement in schools. Proponents assert the necessity of equipping future generations with a solid understanding of civic duties, especially in a time when political awareness and participation are crucial. However, concerns have been raised about the implications of standardized testing on students with varied learning needs, suggesting that some stakeholders may object to the rigidity of such mandates in assessing civic knowledge.

Contention

Despite its well-intentioned goals, HB 1373 could face contention in terms of its implementation and effects on educational equity. Critics might argue that utilizing a standardized test like the USCIS test may not adequately measure civic understanding across diverse student populations, including those with individualized education plans. Furthermore, there could be debates about the adequacy of civic education currently being provided, with critics suggesting that the bill places undue emphasis on testing rather than fostering a holistic curriculum that promotes civic engagement.

Latest PA HB1373 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HB1373

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB776

In high schools, further providing for assessment of civic knowledge.

PA HB795

In high schools, further providing for courses of study.

PA HB856

In sales and use tax, further providing for assessment; in personal income tax, further providing for assessment; in corporate net income tax, further providing for assessments; in procedure and administration, further providing for petition for reassessment; and, in general provisions, further providing for petitions for refunds and providing for compromise or adjustment of assessments.

PA SB84

In construction and renovation of buildings by school entities, further providing for definitions and for building condition assessments.

PA SB930

In student supports, further providing for definitions; in school safety and security, further prov iding for definitions, for School Safety and Security Committee, for school safety and security assessment providers, for School Safety and Security Grant Program, for school safety and security coordinator, for school safety and security training and for reporting and memorandum of understanding; in school security, further providing for training, for school resource officers, for school security guards and for duties of commission; in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions, for Safe2Say Program and for annual report; in threat assessment, further providing for definitions, for threat assessment teams and for threat assessment guidelines, training and information materials; and making editorial changes.

PA HB2424

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools.

PA SB799

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools.

PA HB495

In charter schools, further providing for enrollment.

PA SB645

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in terms and courses of study, further providing for subjects of instruction and flag code and providing for handwriting instruction required; and, in charter schools, further providing for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA HB2358

In charter schools, further providing for funding for cyber charter schools.

Similar Bills

TX HB5337

Relating to requiring a person to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB16

Relating to requiring a person to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote, including the eligibility of certain voters to vote a limited federal ballot if the voter cannot supply the required proof and the procedures for the counting of those ballots; creating criminal offenses.