We're on board with the notion that a fundamental knowledge of civics should be required for students to complete a high school education.
Missouri law has included such a requirement since the 1990s. The law includes both an education and a testing component, but the testing language is vague.
The issue now being debated in the Legislature centers on specifying the depth and breadth of civics education and testing.
A proposal sponsored by state Sen. Jeanne Riddle, R-Mokane, would require students to pass the 100-question civics test produced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service to receive a high school diploma or General Equivalency Degree (GED).
Therein lies much of the debate. Although the concept of a civics requirement has attracted scant opposition, the particular test has drawn some detractors.
The 100-question test is designed and administered by a federal agency to immigrants who are seeking to become U.S. citizens.
Supporters contend U.S. students should know at least as much about the operations of their government as naturalized citizens know.
Detractors argue the federal test was not designed for students and might replace existing exams that test knowledge of local and state government, in addition to the federal government.
During discussion Wednesday before the Senate Education Committee, Bill Gerling said the federal test "is designed for immigrants who are just learning our culture. It is not designed for most students who have lived in the United States all their lives."
Gerling is an educator who retired after 31 years as a classroom teacher and 16 years with the state Elementary and Secondary Education department. He called imposing the federal test "the wrong solution," and added: "Students would not have to know anything about state and local governments."
We don't entirely disagree.
According to Riddle's office, the existing civics test has two parts: U.S. and Missouri. The senator proposes to substitute the 100-question federal test for the U.S. section, but also favors a Missouri section.
We don't disagree with that, either.
Discussion and debate have been directed toward more specific, more engaging civics instruction and testing for Missouri students.
Legislators repeatedly have driven home the point that civics education is the foundation for an active, involved citizenry. On that point, they are on target.