Omar Bennett
In the state of Illinois, middle school graduation requirements include being at least 15 years old, passing the US Constitution Test, passing all academic classes, and earning the necessary credits. The US Constitution Test was historically required for earning a high school equivalency certificate or diploma in Illinois. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) suspended the administration of the Constitution Test between February 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. During this period, individuals who completed a high school equivalency exam but had not passed the Constitution Test were still eligible for an Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate or State of Illinois High School Diploma. As of July 1, 2022, the Constitution requirement for awarding the State of Illinois High School Diploma was reinstated, but in a new online format.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is the Constitution Test required to graduate middle school? | Yes, the US Constitution Test is required to graduate middle school in Illinois. |
| Online Constitution Module | Available at http://ilconstitution.org/ |
| Time to complete the test | 2 hours |
| Proctoring required | No |
| Age requirement | 15 years old |
| Minimum graduation requirements | Posted on the back of School District #428 transcripts and are available upon request |
| GED testing requirement | Youth must be at least 17 years old and lacking sufficient credits to graduate in a timely manner |
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What You'll Learn
Illinois middle school graduation requirements
In the State of Illinois, minimum graduation requirements are posted on the back of School District #428 transcripts and are available upon request. These requirements give students the opportunity to earn a diploma and help them develop important skills for their future lives.
For students who entered ninth grade in 2008-2009 or later, a minimum of 16.75 units of credit is required to graduate from high school. This includes:
- Communication Skills (Language Arts-English): 4 units of credit
- Writing Intensive Courses (Language Arts/English or other Writing Intensive Course): 2 units of creative writing
- American History/Social Studies: 2 units of credits
- Mathematics: 3 units of credit (1 unit of Algebra and 1 unit of Geometry content)
- Physical Education: participation is required, but there is no specific number of credits
In addition to these academic requirements, students must also pass a state civics requirement, take standardized tests like the SAT, and meet elective credit requirements. Students must also pass the US Constitution Test to graduate from middle school. This test assesses students' understanding of the US Constitution, the Illinois Constitution, and key principles of government, such as the separation of powers, checks and balances, individual rights, and the responsibilities of citizens.
Students who don't pass the test may need to retake it until they achieve a passing score, as it is a mandatory requirement for graduation in Illinois. Students who are at least 17 years old and lacking sufficient credits to graduate in a timely manner may qualify for GED testing.
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The US Constitution Test
In the state of Illinois, middle school graduation requirements include passing the US Constitution Test, among other criteria. This test is also known as the Illinois State Constitution and Flag Test ("Constitution Test"), and it is required by Illinois Compiled Statutes – School Code (105 ILCS 5/27-3).
Historically, candidates for an Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate were required to take and pass the US Constitution Test in addition to completing a high school equivalency exam (such as the GED®, HiSET®, or TASC™) or an alternative transcript-based method of credentialing. However, as of July 1, 2022, a new online Illinois Constitution Module (Constitution Module) was introduced to replace the former Constitution Test. This new module is available at http://ilconstitution.org/ and can be taken independently without the need for proctoring at a testing center. It is estimated to take approximately two hours to complete.
It is important to mention that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a suspension of the Constitution Test requirement between February 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. During this period, individuals who completed and passed an ICCB-approved high school equivalency exam were awarded a State of Illinois High School Diploma without needing to complete the Constitution Test.
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Illinois Constitution Module
The Illinois Constitution and Flag Test, also known as the "Constitution Test", was previously required by the Illinois Compiled Statutes – School Code (105 ILCS 5/27-3) in addition to a high school equivalency exam (GED®, HiSET®, or TASC™) or a transcript-based Alternative Method of Credentialing. However, as of July 1, 2022, the new online Illinois Constitution Module was released to replace the former Constitution Test. The Constitution Module is available at http://ilconstitution.org/ and it is estimated that it will take two hours for a student to complete. It is available for HSE candidates to take independently and does not require proctoring at a testing center. Testing Centers will no longer offer the previous Constitution Test.
The Illinois Constitution Module is designed to be completed by students seeking to fulfill the constitution requirement to earn their high school equivalency. After completion of the module, students will be asked to provide information that will be used to match their completion with HSE records in the Illinois High School Equivalency Portal. Students who complete the module will also be able to print or download a certificate of completion. It is recommended that students complete one battery of HSE testing before taking the module so that they have a record in the portal.
Students who previously passed the Constitution Test in high school or at an authorized Adult Education program or County Regional Office of Education (ROE) in Illinois are not required to complete the Constitution Module. Instead, they can submit a verification letter or transcript as proof of passing the previous test. The verification letter must be on the institution's letterhead, include the student's name and date of birth, and show the date the test was passed.
It is important to note that the suspension of the Constitution Test requirement between February 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed students who completed and passed an ICCB-approved high school equivalency exam (GED® or HiSET®) during this period to be issued a State of Illinois High School Diploma without needing to complete the Constitution requirement.
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High school equivalency exams
In Illinois, middle school graduation requirements include passing the US Constitution Test, maintaining passing grades in all academic classes, and meeting the minimum age requirement of 15 years old.
Illinois accepts three high school equivalency exams: the GED® (General Educational Development), HiSET® (High School Equivalency Test), and TASC™ (Test Assessing Secondary Completion). These exams are designed for adults who did not finish high school and wish to obtain their high school equivalency certificate or diploma. The GED® is the most well-known and widely recognised of the three. The HiSET® and TASC™ were introduced in 2014 to provide additional options for students, allowing them to choose the test that best suits their learning style and skills.
The GED® exam covers core academic subjects, including reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. To be eligible for the GED® test, candidates must be at least 17 years old and lacking sufficient credits to graduate from high school. The HiSET® and TASC™ exams cover similar subjects, and both are available to minors under 18, provided they meet other eligibility requirements. The HiSET® costs $10 plus state-specific fees, which can range from $8 to $90, while the TASC™ costs around $50, excluding additional state or test centre fees.
To receive an Illinois High School Equivalency (ILHSE) Certificate or State of Illinois Diploma, candidates must pass one of the three accepted high school equivalency exams and the Illinois State Constitution and Flag Test ("Constitution Test"). However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Constitution Test requirement was temporarily suspended, and those who completed a high school equivalency exam before February 1, 2021, or June 30, 2022, were exempt from this requirement.
Candidates can register and schedule their exams through the respective vendors' websites. Upon completion of the high school equivalency exam and the Constitution Test, they must contact the Regional Office of Education in their county to request official transcripts or certificates.
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GED, HiSET, TASC exams
In Illinois, middle school graduation requirements include passing the US Constitution Test, maintaining passing grades in all academic classes, and meeting the minimum age requirement of 15 years. While the Constitution Test is required for middle school graduation, it is not a requirement for high school graduation.
Now, if you're interested in the GED, HiSET, or TASC exams, here's some detailed information:
GED, HiSET, and TASC Exams:
These three exams are high school equivalency tests that are widely recognised and accepted in the United States and beyond. They are designed to measure an individual's knowledge and abilities compared to those of a typical high school graduate. While the GED (General Education Diploma) is the most popular and recognised option, the HiSET and TASC exams are also gaining traction as valuable alternatives.
GED Exam:
The GED exam is the most well-known and widely accepted high school equivalency exam, recognised in most US states, Canada, and many overseas universities. It is a computer-based test, and you must be at least 17 years old to qualify. The GED covers various subjects, including reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. It is known to be challenging, and achieving a passing score in each section is necessary.
HiSET Exam:
The HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) is offered in over 20 states and is available in English and Spanish. This test provides flexibility, as it can be taken electronically or with pencil and paper. The HiSET covers five subjects: reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Each section contains 50 to 60 multiple-choice questions and an essay question in the writing section. The HiSET is generally cheaper than the GED and offers two free retests if you need to retake any subjects.
TASC Exam:
The TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion) exam is accepted in over 15 states, including West Virginia and New York, which exclusively admit the TASC. The exam covers five subtests: mathematics, science, social studies, literacy reading, and literacy writing. The TASC can be taken on a computer or with pencil and paper. Similar to the HiSET, the TASC has a reputation for being math-heavy, especially in algebra.
In summary, while the GED is the most popular option, the HiSET and TASC exams offer advantages such as flexibility, lower cost, and multiple attempts. These exams provide individuals with a chance to earn a high school equivalency credential, which can open doors to higher education and career advancement opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the US Constitution Test is mandatory for graduating middle school in Illinois. However, this is only for 8th graders who are at least 15 years old.
Other requirements include passing all academic classes and earning the minimum required credits.
No, the Constitution Test is also required for earning a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate in Illinois.
