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Kutztown committee weighs replacing off-the-shelf civics test with district-defined assessment
Summary
The Policy & Curriculum Committee reviewed Act 35 requirements and discussed replacing the current 60-question naturalization-style civics test with a district-crafted assessment tied to a locally developed definition of citizenship; staff will bring a draft to the committee in October.
The Policy & Curriculum Committee of the Kutztown Area School District discussed replacing the district's current civics assessment option under Act 35 with a locally developed test tied to a district definition of citizenship. Staff said the district has used a 60-question, multiple-choice version of the U.S. naturalization test and reported proficiency rates typically near 90 percent.
A staff member summarized the state requirement and the district's current approach, noting the law requires every district to adopt and administer a civics assessment but allows flexibility about which instrument to use. "So since that time, it's a 60 question multiple choice version of the citizenship test," the staff member said, describing the assessment in use.
Committee members and staff discussed whether the district should develop its own assessment aligned to classroom curriculum and a locally agreed definition of citizenship. The chair said the goal would be to promote civic engagement and avoid teaching only compliance, while staff recommended working with the social studies department to draft a definition and return with a proposal in October.
Committee members flagged practical constraints, including new teachers' induction and scheduling; staff agreed to convene the social studies department and return with tangible next steps at the committee's October meeting.
