Advocacy of an Exit Test for History/Social Studies in New Jersey

Abstract

As states like New Jersey navigate the issue of graduation requirements, most states have gone to what is called “high stakes” exit testing for the purpose of awarding high school diplomas. These tests typically emerge to be Mathematics and Language Arts/Reading based. In states like New Jersey, though, these exit tests have given way to subject based tests in things such as Biology and Algebra. Social Studies is not tested, but should be, if the state claims to care about producing well-rounded students prepared to fulfill their civic duties as voting adults. William Gorman, an educator with 30 years’ experience, lobbies for such testing in this editorial.