AL SB89

Requires students beginning in the 2017-2018 school year to correctly answer at least 60 of 100 questions on a civics test identical to the naturalization test civics portion to graduate from high school or obtain a high school equivalency diploma.

Local boards of education determine the administration method for the civics test and allow students unlimited retakes until achieving a passing score.

Special education students are exempt from the passing score requirement unless they are learning at grade-level appropriate standards and the civics test is specifically required in their individualized education program, and they must be at least 18 years old.

State Board of Education makes the civics test available to nonpublic high school students and may charge a reasonable fee to cover costs of administering the test.

State Board of Education must promulgate rules to implement the requirements and the act becomes effective three months after passage and approval by the Governor.