The Rutherford County schools system has made some changes to the graduation requirements starting from the Class of 2017. According to the Tennessee House Bill, students are required to take a United States Civics test during some time in their high school career in order to graduate.

Rutherford County Schools has composed a civics test that includes a total of 30 questions-25 multiple choice and 5 short answer. The test will be designed by  Local Educational Association. Students must be able to answer at least 70 percent of the questions in order to pass. They are welcome to retake the test as many as times needed so that they may exceed; however, it is necessary to pass the test in order to graduate.

In addition, if all the senior students take and pass the test, and receive a regular education diploma, the high school will be recognized as a “United States Civics All-Star School.”

Students are welcome to prepare for the test using the online study guide, which may be found on the RCS webpage under the tab labeled “students”. If anyone has any questions concerning the civics test or graduation requirements, he or she may feel free to contact either Lana Bellar at [email protected] or Dr. Andrea Anthony at [email protected]