§ 6-16-149 — United States citizenship civics test

(a) (1) Beginning in the 2018-2019 school year, in order to receive a high school diploma from a public school or a high school equivalency diploma from a state entity, a student shall: (A) Take a test that is identical to the civics portion of the naturalization test used by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services; and (B) Correctly answer at least sixty percent (60%) of the test questions. (2) A student may retake the test as many times as necessary to achieve a passing score. (b) The State Board of Education shall determine the method and manner by which to administer a test that is identical to the civics portion of the naturalization test used by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. (c) The requirement under subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to a student who: (1) Is exempted in accordance with the student's individualized education program; (2) Attends school in the Arkansas Correctional School District under § 12-29-301 et seq.; or (3) Is over eighteen (18) years of age and seeking a high school equivalency diploma.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2021, No. 730,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2021, No. 493,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Added by Act 2017, No. 478,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.