Social Studies Standards

  • A Focus on Inquiry in Social Studies

    C3 Framework

    Essential Academic Learning Requirements in Social Studies

    The State of Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has created Social Studies Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) and Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) to guide instruction in our state. You may view OSPI EALRs and GLEs by visiting the OSPI Social Studies Website

    Washington Learning Standards for Social Studies are currently in the process of being revised, and the revised standards will be approved for use in the 2019-20 school year.

     

    The Social Studies EALRs

    EALR 1: Civics

    The student understands and applies knowledge of government, law, politics, and the nation's fundamental documents to make decisions about local, national, and international issues and to demonstrate thoughtful, participatory citizenship.

    EALR 2: Economics

    The student applies understanding of economic concepts and systems to analyze decision-making and interactions between individuals, households, businesses, governments, and societies.

    EALR 3: Geography

    The student uses spatial perspectives to make reasoned decisions by applying the concepts of location, region, and movement and demonstrating knowledge of how geographic features and human cultures impact environments.

    EALR 4: History

    The student understands and applies knowledge of historical thinking, chronology, eras, turning points, major ideas, individuals, and themes of local, Washington State, tribal, United States, and world history in order to evaluate how history shapes the present and future.

    EALR 5: Social Studies Skills

    The student understands and applies reasoning skills to conduct research, deliberate, form, and evaluate positions through the processes of reading, writing, and communicating.

    ELA Common Core State Standards for History/Social Studies

    In addition, the ELA Common Core State Standards for History/Social Studies are an important part of our Social Studies program, With the addition of these standards, an inquiry approach to learning is strengthened with a focus across content areas on important literacy skills. 

     
    See the C3 Framework https://www.socialstudies.org/sites/default/files/c3/C3-Framework-for-Social-Studies.pdf to learn more about the inquiry arc in social studies.