New citizenship test
hippiemom
Posts: 3,326
I got this email from my local newspaper and thought it would make for an interesting discussion topic here. I've got some ideas, but I also have some work that needs to be done right away, so I'll be back later to shoot my mouth off.
Dear Readers,
"What are the colors of the U.S. flag?"
"Who helped the pilgrims in America?"
"What is the White House?"
Are these questions from some kiddie trivia game?
No, they are sample questions taken from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Web site -- three of about 30 questions that immigrants must answer in their quest to become U.S. citizens.
If you think they're too simple, you are not alone. The U.S. government agrees, and is trying to come up with more thoughtful questions. The idea isn't to make the test a lot harder, but to make it a "teachable moment," with questions that will explore the meaning of democracy and freedom, American values and ideals.
The new test will be unveiled next month and road tested next year.
In the meantime, perhaps you have some suggestions. What do you think is the most important question that an immigrant should be able to answer on the citizenship test?
Dear Readers,
"What are the colors of the U.S. flag?"
"Who helped the pilgrims in America?"
"What is the White House?"
Are these questions from some kiddie trivia game?
No, they are sample questions taken from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Web site -- three of about 30 questions that immigrants must answer in their quest to become U.S. citizens.
If you think they're too simple, you are not alone. The U.S. government agrees, and is trying to come up with more thoughtful questions. The idea isn't to make the test a lot harder, but to make it a "teachable moment," with questions that will explore the meaning of democracy and freedom, American values and ideals.
The new test will be unveiled next month and road tested next year.
In the meantime, perhaps you have some suggestions. What do you think is the most important question that an immigrant should be able to answer on the citizenship test?
"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." ~ MLK, 1963
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Comments
Name the 10 Amendments and describe what they mean to you.
Whaddayathink?
I'm discarding all thought
I'll dry up, leaving puddles on the ground
I'm like an opening band for the sun
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
Sorry, just being facetious. The U.S. Constitution has 27 amendments. You're likely refering to the first 10, also known as the Bill of Rights.
And I think that'd be a fine question - and one many Americans couldn't answer.
I know. So why do we have to make prospective citizens pass a test? I think they should be able to fill out some paperwork and be let in with a minimum of hassle.
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
Hehehe, that'd be me kicked out of the country then!
I'm discarding all thought
I'll dry up, leaving puddles on the ground
I'm like an opening band for the sun
I agree. I don't think the test can be appropriate unless citizenship must be renewed for everyone - which isn't a bad idea.
Sadly American social studies education is getting worse. Because the NCLB requires testing of reading/ELA and math (and most recently science), social studies is getting cut from many schools--or at least the time and effort is getting cut. Many teachers are using that time to prepare students for the tested subjects.
Fortunately some states have their own testing in social studies, but there aren't enough.
Why social studies isn't valued here, I don't know. I kind of think it's hypocritical that they require new citizens to know this stuff when they don't value it for their nat-born ones.
cross the river to the eastside
I think the test is stupid unless you make everyone take it on a periodic basis.
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
there are about 27 amendments dude.
It's no surprise to me that NCLB doesn't test social studies knowledge. What would become of the Bush agenda if the entire population had a firm grasp on the constitution? I don't support NCLB for a number of reasons, but I do think there should be a constitutional law class required of all high school seniors. I'm continually amazed by how many well-educated people have very misguided ideas about their rights as citizens, the separation of powers, etc.
The whole time I was watching it, I was all like, damn dude, that shark guy's fuckin' smart.
It also makes sense to keep our laws regarding natural born citizens the same. If they were required to take a test, and didn't pass, where would we send them too?
edited to add "and I don't think" to my parenthetical aside. Completely different meaning that way.
I can't say that I disagree with you about testing current citizens, so I defer back to my original point which is that I don't think we should test prospective citizens either. Nationalism is something that needs to end, in my opinion.
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
oh sure. it would be fabulous to have an exam that utilized more critical-thinking skills. i'd like to see some essay action. perhaps a nice one that opens with p. henry's supposed quote 'is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?' forbid it, almighty god! i know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!' i think people should write about the factors that led to revolution and their results. there should absolutely be discussion of the declaration, the constitution (and i'd like to see discussion of the difference in opinions of the revolutionaries too. some good antifederalist and federalist action). but soon-to-be-citizens should also know more civics info--gov structure, our rights and responsibilities, etc. i totally agree with you there.
what i find weird is that many, er, southern states actually test in social studies. maybe we just need to wait a few years for these kids dealing with new standards to rise up. although some states have really terrible standards (vague and whatnot) and some states have much better ones. because the standards vary from state to state, you're not ever sure what you're going to get. i had to hold my nose and do a whole lesson on strom thurmond for a south carolina book, for example. they have a whole standard devoted to him, for eighth grade i believe it was.
i have some faith in georgians though. i think their new standards are some of the best i've seen. louisiana, on the other hand, i'm sorry kids. i'll do what i can for you.
cross the river to the eastside
I think it should go like this:
naturalization officer: What country you from!
applicant: What?
naturalization officer: "What" ain't no country I know! Do they speak English in "What?"
applicant: What?
naturalization officer: English-motherf*#ker-can-you-speak-it?
applicant: Yes.
naturalization officer: Then you understand what I'm sayin'?
applicant: Yes.
naturalization officer: Now describe to me what the constitution says!
applicant: What?
naturalization officer: Say "What" again! C'mon, say "What" again! I dare ya, I double dare ya motherf*#ker, say "What" one more time! Now describe to me what the constitution says!
really? dang, i'm going to have to get his number! and ondemand that episode. thank you. and actually maybe he could talk to my boss, who thinks social studies will never be as important as ela.
it's really sad though. there are so many issues with nclb, but if they're going to test nationally then they should include social studies. i don't think it is any less important than math, ela, or science. and selecting certain subjects like that pushes the others away. of course teachers are going to spend all the time they can on the tested subjects. or else their schools will shut down.
cross the river to the eastside
True, but again I don't think there's a single citizen in the U.S. that understands every law of this country, so where do we draw the line?
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
It's probably penance - feels a certain guilt for all the sharks that were killed after Jaws.
Or it's an attempt to build up a captive (literally) audience for half of his more recent movies.
i found a clip of him on the show (in case you were too drunk):
http://www.jwharrison.com/blog/2006/11/21/real-time-richard-dreyfuss%E2%80%99-civics-lesson-part-1/
i thought he was great. it was actually pretty inspiring, and true. civics for everyone!
cross the river to the eastside
i was just kidding about being too drunk.
but who should listen to him anyway? he's just an actor who hasn't been in any movies lately.
cross the river to the eastside
maybe he means name the 10 commandments?
Chris Cornell
http://www.myspace.com/mrwalkerb
As you can see on page 1, Raindog spotted correctly I meant the Bill of Rights...
Good thing I wouldn't even want American citizenship, eh?
Ah well, so much for my brain storming session.
PS I'm a girl! So maybe the first question should be "Are you female or male?"
I'm discarding all thought
I'll dry up, leaving puddles on the ground
I'm like an opening band for the sun