A bill sponsored by Rep. Quang Nguyen, HB2632, which pushes the Arizona Civics Test passing score up from 60 to 70 percent, was signed by Governor Doug Ducey on Thursday.
The bill allows students to take the test as early as middle school and requires test score data to be made publicly available online.
HB2632 ensures Arizona students demonstrate greater competency in civics before graduating high school, further bolstering Arizona’s position as a national leader in civics education, according to Ducey.
“We have a real responsibility to equip the leaders of tomorrow with knowledge of our nation’s founding principles,” Ducey said in a press release. “Those timeless principles have inspired and guided us for 246 years, and this legislation helps ensure they continue to do so as we continue our unending journey to form a more perfect union.”
“It is up to us to ensure that future generations have an understanding of our government, history and principles,” said Nguyen. “There are far too many Americans who aren’t equipped with this vital information to make decisions. We must have an appreciation of our federal structure, separation of powers and fundamental respect for natural rights. Thank you to Governor Ducey for signing this legislation to help the next generation have a strong and necessary civics education.”
The enhancements to the test will begin with the graduating class of 2026.