This sounds reasonable, but it's not

re: Arizona Students to Take Required Civics Test in 8th Grade

How so, you ask? Let me count the ways.

First, is Arizona suggesting that the typical 14-year-old who has passed their civics exam is now prepared to vote and be an active participant in a democratic society?  If not, what exactly does this civics test measure?

Almost certainly, this test measures a student’s ability to memorize a list of dates (1776, 1860, 1941…) names (the usual suspects: Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln), and the three branches of government - almost all of which can be looked up on the internet in a matter of minutes.

Second, if we were to assume for a moment that this test actually measures something useful - a bit of a leap, I know, but bear with me - what Arizona appears to be saying is that it’s perfectly ok for their students to memorize this stuff, and then forget it all by the time they turn fifteen. (Thereby making room in their heads for other ‘stuff’, thereby reinforcing a model of education more appropriate for the 1950’s - as well as the idea that school is just something that one ‘has to do’.)

Third, since it’s apparently ok for students to memorize, and then forget this ‘stuff’, it implies that civics has no particular relevance to the students’ future.  (Again: it’s just one more hoop they have to jump through to get to the finish line.)

I will note that Pennsylvania has applied the same logic to the notorious Keystone exams.  Keep in mind that whether or not students still remember this stuff when they graduate - according the explicit intent of this legislation - is not important!

Fourth, does this test require that students demonstrate an ability to apply this ‘knowledge’ in any meaningful way?  You know, like being able to see multiple sides of a complex issue? To hear and understand different perspectives, and work towards a solution everyone can live with? Unfortunately, no. That might be useful!

It’s sadly ironic to think that long before Sandra Day O’Connor became a Supreme Court Justice and a dedicated advocate for meaningful civics education, she served two terms in the Arizona state senate.