Mississippi U.S. History test removed as graduation requirement, sparking debate over student welfare and academics.
Education Board Votes to Drop the Exam
On Thursday, June 19, the Mississippi State Board of Education officially voted to eliminate the state’s U.S. History end-of-course test as a graduation requirement.
Although students must still complete and pass their history coursework, the standardized test will no longer be mandatory.
“This change eases pressure on students and educators while preserving the integrity of our curriculum,” said Dr. Lance Evans, Mississippi’s state superintendent of education.
Contradictory Responses: Fear vs Responsibility
- A divided society was reflected in the public statements made before to the vote:
- Twenty submissions were in favor of removal, with several parents mentioning exam anxiety.
U.S. Senator Roger Wicker and board member Mary Werner, who voted against the removal, co-authored an op-ed urging the board to preserve the test as a measure of accountability and civic literacy.
“We believe students should be as knowledgeable as possible about our past,” they wrote.
Saving Money, Shifting Assessment Local
Education officials also noted that eliminating the test would save the state money. Paula Vanderford, the state’s chief accountability officer, said local districts may be provided with test materials if they wish to create their own assessments.
The U.S. History test was the only exam not mandated by state or federal law. Other graduation-required tests — Algebra I, Biology, and English Language Arts — will remain in place.
Students Still Learning History
Despite the test being dropped, state officials emphasized that U.S. History remains a required course for graduation.
“This decision isn’t about erasing history,” said Dr. Evans. “It’s about reducing testing burdens while continuing to teach our students the foundations of our nation.”
Source: AP News
