11. Civics

Florida Universities & New Civics Laws

University of Florida

Many students that started school at a University or College in Floria this past August had to prove that they knew something about civics in some capacity. This includes about 80,000 college students. Freshmen or first year students at any of Florida's universities had to be able to meet a rule by passing a "modified version of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' civics test." The test is a 100-question test, all multiple choice and has been reported that it is supposedly "easy." A score of 60% is considered a passing score.

A history professor at the Tallahassee Community College, David Proctor, stated that "A multiple choice test does not inspire an 18-year-old, I can promise you that," so this new test is not necessarily widely accepted by the entire state of Florida.

So, currently, state college students just need to pass a U.S. history or a government class in college, and they need to apply to college with passing scores on Advanced Placement classes.

Eric Hanne, an associate professor of history at Florida Atlantic University said, "Everyone should have a basic civics understanding. I'm all for that. At this time, this is an unfunded mandate."

He among other professors believe that, at this time with the difficulties of the new law, this is the best option for state universities.

The new civics requirement did, in fact, end up getting passed by the Florida Legislature and it was signed into law by the governor. First year students will now begin taking this test upon their first semester of college.

Via:
Orlando Sentinel