(A) For purposes of this section, "civics test" means the one hundred questions that, as of January 1, 2015, and updated accordingly, officers of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services use in order that the applicants can demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of United States history and the principles and form of United States government, as required by 8 U.S.C. 1423.
(B) As part of the high school curriculum regarding the United States government required credit, students are required to take the civics test, as defined in subsection (A), provided there is no cost to a school or school district for obtaining and giving the test, but are not required to obtain a minimum score. However, a student who receives a passing grade, as determined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or better, may be recognized by the school district. This requirement applies to each student enrolled in a public or charter school in this State. This requirement does not apply to a student who is exempted in accordance with the student's individualized education program plan.
(C) Each public school, including charter schools, must report the percentage of students at or above the designated passing score on the test to the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee which must then include such on the school report card.
(D) No school or school district of this State may impose or collect any fees or charges in connection with this section.
(E) This section must be applied to any student entering ninth grade beginning in the 2016-2017 school year.
HISTORY: 2015 Act No. 52 (S.437), Section 2, eff June 3, 2015.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 29 - Subjects Of Instruction
Section 59-29-10. Required subjects.
Section 59-29-15. Teaching cursive writing and multiplication tables required.
Section 59-29-20. Required subjects; nature and effect of alcoholic drinks and narcotics.
Section 59-29-21. Guidelines for career guidance.
Section 59-29-30. Required subjects; Alcohol and Narcotics Education Week.
Section 59-29-35. Home school awareness week; admission opportunities.
Section 59-29-50. Required subjects; traffic laws.
Section 59-29-55. Instruction on Black history.
Section 59-29-60. Required subjects; program of safety instruction.
Section 59-29-70. Required subjects; instruction in fire prevention.
Section 59-29-80. Required subjects; courses in physical education; alternatives; exemptions.
Section 59-29-90. Physical education courses in teacher training colleges.
Section 59-29-110. Instruction in military science and tactics.
Section 59-29-130. Public institutions of higher learning; required instruction; applicability.
Section 59-29-160. Two units of mathematics requisite for graduation.
Section 59-29-165. Instruction in personal finance.
Section 59-29-170. Programs for gifted and talented students.
Section 59-29-179. Identification of higher order thinking and problem solving skills.
Section 59-29-180. Emphasis on higher order problem solving skills.
Section 59-29-181. Selection of tests for statewide testing program.
Section 59-29-182. Review of procedures to assess higher order thinking and problem solving skills.
Section 59-29-183. In-service training programs.
Section 59-29-190. Advanced placement courses for academically talented students.
Section 59-29-200. Pupil-teacher ratios.
Section 59-29-210. Emphasis on teaching as profession.
Section 59-29-220. Arts education curricula.
Section 59-29-230. Old and New Testament era courses.
Section 59-29-240. Civics test required; report.
Section 59-29-410. Development of high school financial literacy programs; areas of instruction.
Section 59-29-430. Incorporation into Academic Standards of Instruction.
Section 59-29-440. South Carolina Financial Literacy Initiative established.
Section 59-29-480. Board membership; terms; vacancies.
Section 59-29-490. Powers and duties.
Section 59-29-500. Employment of Director of the Financial Literacy Office and staff.
Section 59-29-520. Office of South Carolina Financial Literacy established.
Section 59-29-530. Applications for grants; criteria.
Section 59-29-540. Use of grant funds.
Section 59-29-550. Carrying forward funds into following fiscal year.
Section 59-29-560. Disbursement of and accountability for funds; penalties.
Section 59-29-570. Implementation review; grantee participation; reports.