House Softens Foreign Language Requirement, Adds Civics Test

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Students could skip out on foreign language classes under a bill approved by the Michigan House.

High schoolers would also have to take a civics exam based on the naturalization test used by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to graduate from high school under another bill the House also passed on Tuesday. Both bills head to the Senate.

One bill softens a foreign language requirement to graduate from high school, allowing students to take computer coding classes instead.

Students could complete at least three credits in computer science or coding, visual or performing arts, a technical career training program approved by the Michigan Department of Education or some combination of the three. They would still be able to take language classes if they want.

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