Eleanor Finch
In the state of Illinois, there are specific requirements that must be met for high school graduation. One of the key requirements is the Constitution test, which is mandated by the Illinois Compiled Statutes – School Code (105 ILCS 5/27-3). This test ensures that students have a fundamental understanding of the US Constitution and, in some cases, the Illinois State Constitution. The test can be taken independently online and is estimated to take around two hours to complete. For those seeking a high school equivalency certificate or diploma, passing the Constitution test, in addition to other exams, is essential.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum graduation requirements | 16.75 units of credit |
| Communication Skills (Language Arts-English) | 4 units of credit |
| Writing Intensive Courses (Language Arts/English or other Writing Intensive Course) | Two units of creative writing |
| American History/Social Studies | 2 units of credits |
| Physical Education | Participation required; no specific number of credits |
| Health Education | 1/2 unit of credit |
| Science | 2 units of credit |
| Mathematics | 3 units of credit (1 unit of Algebra, 1 unit of Geometry content) |
| Constitution requirement | U.S. and Illinois State Constitution and Flag Test ("Constitution Test") |
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What You'll Learn
The Constitution Test is required for a high school diploma
In the past, candidates for an Illinois High School Diploma were required to take and pass the U.S. and Illinois State Constitution and Flag Test (also known as the "Constitution Test") in addition to completing a high school equivalency exam (such as the GED®, HiSET®, or TASC™) or a transcript-based Alternative Method of Credentialing. This was due to the Illinois Compiled Statutes – School Code (105 ILCS 5/27-3).
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) approved the 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 take the Constitution Test.
As of July 1, 2022, the Constitution requirement for the State of Illinois High School Diploma was reinstated. Instead of the former Constitution Test, candidates now need to complete the new online Illinois Constitution Module. This module is estimated to take two hours to complete and can be taken independently without the need for proctoring at a testing center. Candidates will be able to print or download a certificate of completion.
It is important to note that individuals who previously passed the Constitution Test in high school or at an authorized Adult Education program in Illinois are exempt from taking the new Constitution Module. They simply need to provide verification, such as a transcript or a letter on the institution's letterhead, to the relevant office.
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The Illinois Constitution Module is now available online
Historically, candidates for an Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate were required to take and pass the U.S. and Illinois State Constitution and Flag Test, commonly known as the "Constitution Test". This requirement was mandated by Illinois Compiled Statutes – School Code (105 ILCS 5/27-3). However, as of July 1, 2022, the new online Constitution Module was introduced, offering a more flexible and accessible way for students to fulfill the constitutional requirement.
The Illinois Constitution Module is estimated to take approximately two hours for a student to complete. It can be taken independently, without the need for proctoring at a testing center. After completion, students will be asked to provide personal information to match their records with the HSE records in the Illinois High School Equivalency Portal. A certificate of completion can be printed or downloaded, serving as proof of fulfilling the constitutional requirement.
It is important to note that students who have previously completed and passed the Constitution Test or can demonstrate passing it in high school are exempt from taking the new Constitution Module. Additionally, due to COVID-related disruptions, 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 will be granted an Illinois High School Equivalency (ILHSE) Certificate without needing to fulfill the Constitution requirement.
The Illinois Constitution Module aligns with the state's commitment to providing educational opportunities and ensuring that students have the necessary resources to meet graduation requirements. In addition to the constitutional requirement, students in Illinois must meet specific credit requirements in various subjects, including Communication Skills, Writing Intensive Courses, American History/Social Studies, Mathematics, and more.
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Civics and social studies are mandatory
The importance of civics and social studies is further emphasized by the mandatory instruction and examination on the U.S. and Illinois State Constitutions. Students must demonstrate their knowledge of American patriotism, the principles of representative government, and the proper use and display of the American flag. This requirement is not limited to a multiple-choice examination but allows local authorities to choose how to measure student growth.
The State of Illinois sets the minimum graduation requirements, which include earning a minimum of 16.75 units of credit. Among these credits, students must complete two units in American History/Social Studies. This requirement ensures that students gain a strong foundation in civics and social studies as part of their high school education.
To address concerns about preparing students for the Constitution Test, Illinois has implemented a new online Illinois Constitution Module. This module, available as of July 1, 2022, replaces the former Constitution Test. It is estimated to take two hours to complete and can be taken independently by students. The module is designed to facilitate the process of fulfilling the constitution requirement for earning a high school equivalency certificate.
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Passing all academic classes is essential
Additionally, students must also pass mandatory classes in Physical Education and Consumer Education. It is important to note that Middle School credits cannot be used towards high school graduation requirements. Furthermore, students must also meet the state's Constitution requirement by taking and passing the US Constitution Test or the Illinois State Constitution and Flag Test, depending on the specific mandate in Illinois.
The importance of passing all academic classes extends beyond simply meeting graduation requirements. It ensures that students acquire a well-rounded education and develop a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. This includes not only core academic subjects but also elective courses that enrich their learning experience. Passing all classes also demonstrates a student's dedication, work ethic, and ability to overcome challenges, which are valuable traits for their future endeavours.
Moreover, passing all academic classes is crucial for students' future opportunities. It ensures they are well-prepared for post-secondary education or career paths they may choose. Colleges and universities often have specific course and grade requirements for admission, so maintaining passing grades in all classes is essential for students aspiring to pursue higher education. Similarly, employers may have educational prerequisites for certain jobs, and a solid academic record can enhance a student's employability and future career prospects.
While passing all classes is indeed essential, it is important to acknowledge that academic success is not the sole measure of a student's capabilities or potential. Illinois also provides alternative paths to earning a high school equivalency certificate or diploma for those who may have struggled academically or faced unique circumstances. These options, such as the GED®, HiSET®, or TASC™ exams, offer individuals a second chance to demonstrate their knowledge and skills and achieve the academic credentials necessary for pursuing further education or employment.
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Minimum graduation requirements include 16.75 units of credit
In the State of Illinois, there are minimum graduation requirements that students must meet to receive their high school diplomas. One of the key requirements is earning a minimum of 16.75 units of credit. This applies to youth who entered the ninth grade in the 2008-2009 school year or later.
These 16.75 units of credit are distributed across several subjects, with specific credit values assigned to each. Communication Skills (Language Arts-English) hold the highest weight, requiring 4 units of credit. Writing Intensive Courses, encompassing Language Arts/English or other writing-focused disciplines, carry a requirement of 2 units of credit in creative writing. American History/Social Studies and Mathematics (including Algebra and Geometry content) are each weighted at 2 units and 3 units of credit, respectively.
Additionally, students must participate in Physical Education, although there is no specified minimum number of credits for this area. Health Education requires only a 1/2 unit of credit. For a well-rounded education, students also need to acquire 2 units of credit in Science.
To ensure a comprehensive understanding of civics, students in Illinois are mandated to take a Constitution Test. This typically refers to the U.S. Constitution Test and, previously, the Illinois Constitution Test. However, as of July 1, 2022, the Illinois Constitution Test requirement was replaced by an online Constitution Module. This module is estimated to take two hours to complete and can be taken independently by students.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, students in Illinois are required to pass the U.S. and Illinois State Constitution and Flag Test, also known as the Constitution Test, to graduate from high school.
Students who completed the previous Constitution Test or can demonstrate that they passed it in high school are exempt from retaking it. Additionally, between February 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) waived the Constitution Test requirement for those who passed an ICCB-approved high school equivalency exam (GED® or HiSET®).
As of July 1, 2022, the Constitution Test was replaced by the new online Illinois Constitution Module. This module is available for students seeking a high school equivalency certificate or diploma who have not previously passed the Constitution Test.
The Constitution Module is estimated to take approximately two hours to complete. It is available online at http://ilconstitution.org/ and can be taken independently without proctoring at a testing center.
In addition to passing the Constitution Test, students must earn a minimum of 16.75 units of credit in various subjects, including Communication Skills, Writing Intensive Courses, American History/Social Studies, Physical Education, Health Education, Science, and Mathematics.
