Less testing, same diploma: Mississippi cuts history exam

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) – The Mississippi Board of Education has voted to eliminate the U.S. History statewide assessment as a graduation requirement, beginning with the 2025–2026 school year.

On April 15, 2025, the Commission on School Accreditation met in a special-called meeting and voted to approve the proposal to eliminate the U.S. History assessment as a graduation requirement beginning
with the 2025-2026 school year.

The decision to finally eliminate the test requirement came during the board’s regularly scheduled meeting Thursday, June 19, 2025, and affects only the testing requirement, not the course itself. Students will still be required to take and pass the U.S. History class to qualify for graduation.

“Though the U.S. History statewide assessment will be eliminated starting next school year, it’s important to emphasize that students will still learn U.S. History and will be required to successfully complete the course to graduate,” said Dr. Lance Evans, state superintendent of education. “Having fewer state tests required to graduate should be less taxing on educators, students, and families alike.”

The Mississippi Department of Education confirmed that state assessments in Algebra I, Biology, and English Language Arts will continue to be administered and remain mandatory for high school graduation.

The change is part of a broader effort to streamline testing requirements and reduce stress on students and educators while maintaining academic standards.