Omar Bennett
In Illinois, students are required to pass a test on the U.S. Constitution and the Illinois State Constitution to graduate high school. This requirement has sparked concerns among educators about how to effectively prepare students for the exam and ensure they gain a comprehensive understanding of civics. While the test was previously a 100-200 question multiple-choice exam, Illinois has transitioned to a more interactive approach. Now, students watch videos and answer related questions, with multiple attempts allowed to encourage learning and improve graduation rates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Test Format | Multiple-choice examination |
| Number of Questions | 100-200 |
| Subject Matter | American patriotism, principles of representative government, American Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States of America, Constitution of the State of Illinois, proper use and display of the American flag |
| Test Duration | Approximately 2 hours |
| Retake Policy | Multiple attempts allowed |
| Passing Criteria | Not explicitly mentioned, but described as "easy" and "nearly impossible not to pass" |
| Certificate | Available for download and print after completion |
| Grade | Middle school and high school |
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What You'll Learn
The Illinois Constitution test is required for graduation
The state of Illinois requires students to pass an examination on the American Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, the Illinois Constitution, and the proper use and display of the American flag. This is a requirement for graduation. While the Illinois State Board of Education mandates that students receive instruction and pass an examination on these subjects, it does not specify the format of the exam. The choice of how to measure student growth is left to local control.
Previously, the Constitution test was a 100-200 question multiple-choice exam. However, Illinois has recently changed the format, and it is no longer considered a traditional test. Now, students watch videos and answer questions about each lesson, and they are allowed multiple attempts to get the correct answer. This new format is designed to be easier and more accessible for students.
The Constitution Module, available at http://ilconstitution.org/, is estimated to take about two hours to complete. After completion, students provide their information to match their records in the Illinois High School Equivalency Portal. They can also print or download a certificate of completion. While the module can be taken at any time, it is recommended that students complete at least one battery of HSE testing beforehand to ensure their records are in the portal.
The Illinois Civics program is also partnering with the American Institutes for Research - Midwest Comprehensive Center to support teachers in creating performance assessments that measure student growth in civics and enhance the learning process. These assessments aim to go beyond the bubble and provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their competency in civics beyond simply memorizing facts. Workshops are being offered to introduce educators to strategies for building classroom performance assessment tasks in civics that are aligned with the standards.
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It's now a series of lessons and videos
In the state of Illinois, students are mandated to receive instruction and pass an examination on the U.S. Constitution, the Illinois State Constitution, the American Declaration of Independence, and the principles of representative government.
Previously, this was administered as a 100-200 question multiple-choice examination. However, Illinois has now moved away from this traditional test format. Instead, students are now presented with a series of lessons and videos, followed by questions about each lesson. This new format is designed to enhance the learning process and provide a more comprehensive understanding of civics.
The new Illinois Social Science standards and civics mandates have led to a re-evaluation of assessment methods. The multiple-choice format was criticized for not adequately preparing students for civic life and not measuring their growth in civics. As a result, Illinois Civics has partnered with the American Institutes for Research - Midwest Comprehensive Center to support teachers in creating more effective performance assessments. These assessments aim to provide students with opportunities to demonstrate their learning and enhance their understanding of civics.
The new Constitution Module, available at http://ilconstitution.org/, is estimated to take two hours for a student to complete. After finishing the module, students provide personal information to match their completion with High School Equivalency (HSE) records. They can then print or download a certificate of completion. Students are advised to complete at least one battery of HSE testing before taking the Constitution Module to ensure their records are in the portal.
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Students can retake the test multiple times
Students in Illinois are required to take 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. This test is typically taken in the 8th grade.
The test has been replaced by an online Constitution Module, which students can use to fulfil the constitution requirement for their high school equivalency. This module is available for free on the ilconstitution.org website and can be completed independently without the need for proctoring at a testing centre. It is estimated to take around two hours to complete.
The new module is structured as a series of lessons where students watch videos and then answer questions about the content. Students are allowed multiple attempts to get the correct answer, and they can download and print a certificate of completion once they have finished.
Due to the change in format, the Constitution Test is now easier to pass, and students can retake the test multiple times. This new format ensures that students have the opportunity to improve their understanding of the constitution and demonstrate their knowledge.
For students who have already completed the previous Constitution Test or can provide proof of passing the test in high school, the new Constitution Module is not required. Additionally, those who completed a high school equivalency exam between February 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, are exempt from the constitution requirement and will be issued the necessary certificates.
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It's estimated to take two hours to complete
The Illinois Constitution Test is mandatory for students in the eighth grade. The test covers the U.S. and Illinois constitutions, and students must pass it to graduate from eighth grade. While the test is mandatory, students are allowed multiple attempts to pass. The test can be taken online, and it is estimated to take two hours to complete.
The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) has approved the suspension of the administration of the U.S. and Illinois State Constitution and Flag Test ("Constitution Test") for a period of time due to the COVID-19 virus and limited access to testing centers. During this suspension, which was effective from February 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022, the ICCB awarded the Illinois High School Equivalency (HSE) Certification upon successful completion and passage of the GED® or HiSET® exam.
As of July 1, 2022, a new online Constitution Module has replaced the former Constitution Test. This module is available for free at ilconstitution.org and is estimated to take two hours to complete. It is designed to be completed independently without proctoring at a testing center. After finishing 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 will also be able to print or download a certificate of completion.
It is recommended that students complete at least one battery of HSE testing before taking the Constitution Module to ensure they have a record in the portal. Students who have previously passed the Constitution Test or can demonstrate passing it in high school are not required to complete the new module.
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Teachers are creating performance assessments to measure student growth in civics
In Illinois, students take the Constitution test in the 8th grade. However, this may not be the case for all schools and states.
Teachers Creating Performance Assessments to Measure Student Growth in Civics
Teachers are at the forefront of fostering student growth in civics, employing creative strategies to make the subject come alive in the classroom. They are designing performance assessments that go beyond traditional tests to evaluate students' comprehension and application of civic concepts. One such innovative approach is the Judicially Speaking program in Colorado, which received the 2015 Sandra Day O'Connor Award for the Advancement of Civics Education.
This program, integrated into the social studies curriculum, engages students in interactive exercises and firsthand experiences, teaching them how judges apply civics in their decision-making process. By involving over 100 judges and teachers, the program adds a layer of authenticity to the learning experience. This initiative not only enriches students' understanding of the judiciary but also encourages their active participation in civic life.
In Idaho, there is a focus on introducing civics education at an early age. The Generation Citizen program, for instance, combines civics with service learning, empowering students to believe they can make a difference in their communities. Teaching Tolerance, an initiative by the Southern Poverty Law Center, provides educators with free resources to infuse social justice into their curricula. These resources include student tasks for applying civics in real-world contexts and lesson plans on rights, responsibilities, and historical contexts of justice and inequality.
To further enhance student growth in civics, some states have adopted policies requiring high school students to pass the U.S. citizenship exam before graduation. As of the analysis, 17 states have implemented this mandate. However, critics argue that a mandatory civics exam may not adequately assess comprehension and could create an additional hurdle for graduation. Instead, they advocate for comprehensive civics education, providing teachers with detailed curricula and offering community service opportunities as part of the graduation requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a requirement in Illinois.
Students take the test in the 8th grade.
The test covers American patriotism and the principles of representative government, as enunciated in the American Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, the Constitution of Illinois, and the proper use and display of the American flag.
Students watch videos and answer questions about each lesson. They are allowed multiple attempts to get the correct answer.
It is estimated to take two hours to complete the test.
