Mississippi is ditching the history assessment formerly required for students to graduate from high school.
On Thursday, the State Board of Education voted to eliminate the administration and graduation requirement of the U.S. History statewide assessment beginning in the 2025-26 school year.
Proponents of removing U.S. history from the required statewide assessment list, which now only includes Algebra I, biology, and English Language Arts, will afford educators more time to focus on workforce training, practical career skills, and other employment-focused initiatives. The U.S. history assessment was the only one of the mix not required by state or federal law.
Officials assure the public that, though the state test is being dropped, students will still be taught American history and mandated to pass their various history courses to walk the aisle following their senior year.
“Though the U.S. History statewide assessment will be eliminated starting next school year, it’s important to emphasize that students will still learn U.S. History and will be required to successfully complete the course to graduate,” said Dr. Lance Evans, state superintendent of education. “Having fewer state tests required to graduate should be less taxing on educators, students, and families alike.”
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, a Republican representing Mississippi, along with Mississippi State Board of Education member Mary Werner, argued before the vote that moving away from the U.S. history assessment would be a mistake. The two contended that the test helps create informed and engaged citizens, who will participate in civics in future years.
“Our state has been making remarkable strides in education, and this progress is equipping the very Mississippians who will lead our state into the 21st century,” a joint statement from Wicker and Werner read. “As they take on our future, we believe they should be as knowledgeable as possible about our past.”
The Commission on School Accreditation voted to propose eliminating the U.S. history assessment back in April, followed by a public comment period. Thursday’s vote came after the board of education had the chance to review the public’s input on the matter.
