High school graduation requirements in civics, citizenship or social studies | Citation | |
Alabama | Four years (equivalent of four credit units) of social studies with an emphasis on history, music history, fine arts history, geography, economics, and political science. History courses shall include material on the history of the United States and the Constitution of the United States. The Legislature further requires that the curriculum content of American history shall include the teaching of important historical documents including the Constitution of the United States, The Declaration of Independence, The Emancipation Proclamation, The Federalist Papers, and other such documents important to the history and heritage of the United States." Alabama High School Diploma: requires 4 credits in Social Studies, one credit per year. "All four required credits in Social Studies shall comply with the current Alabama Course of Study." All Alabama high school students must earn four credits in social studies for graduation. As part of these requirements, students must complete United States History I (one credit), United States History From II (one credit), United States Government (one-half credit), and Economics (one-half credit). |
Ala. Code 1975 § 16-6B-2, AL ST § 16-6B-2 Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-3-1-.02, AL ADC 290-3-1-.02 |
Alaska | A student must have completed at least three units of credit in social studies before graduation. Beginning January 1, 2009, the three units of social studies must include "one-half unit of credit in Alaska history or demonstration that the student meets the Alaska history performance standards." The provisions of this subsection do not apply to a student who (1) transfers into an Alaska public school after the student's second year of high school; or (2) has already successfully completed a high school state history course from another state. |
4 AAC 06.075 |
Arizona | Subject area course requirements for high school graduation include: One and one-half credits in instruction in the essentials, sources and history of the constitutions of the United States and Arizona and instruction in American institutions and ideals and in the history of Arizona, and one credit of world history/geography. Grad requirement effective for the graduating class of 2012 include: "b. Three credits in social studies to include the following: i. One credit of American history, including Arizona history; ii. One credit of world history/geography. iii. One-half credit of American government, including Arizona government; and iv. One-half credit of economics." |
A.A.C. R7-2-302.04, A.A.C. R7-2-302.01 |
Arkansas | Common Core System Requirements for Graduation from High School: "Social Studies-- 3 units (1 unit of world history, 1 unit of U.S. history, 1/2 unit of civics or government) ... The first graduating class who must meet the graduation requirements established in these rules and regulations is the graduating class of the year 2002." 2 semester courses required for graduation United States History since 1890 World History (since 1450) Elective or career focus courses Psychology Sociology U. S. Government World Geography African American History Arkansas History Grades 9-12 if not taught in Grades 7 or 8 --- this is not a graduation requirement; however, it is a mandated course |
005 22 CARR 006 |
California | 3 courses in social studies, including United States history and geography; world history, culture, and geography; a one-semester course in American government and civics; and a one-semester course in economics. | Cal Ed Code §51225.3.a.D |
Colorado | Public schools are required to teach a course on the history and civil government of the state of Colorado and the United States, to include the history, culture and contributions of minorities. Satisfactory completion of this course is required for high school graduation. | C.R.S. 22-1-104 |
Connecticut | 3 credits required in social studies including at least 0.5-credit course in civics and American government. | Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-221a |
Delaware | 3 credits in social studies. The student shall meet all of the requirements as specified in 14 DE Admin. Code 505, and shall meet any other additional criteria as determined by the local district or charter school; and the student shall demonstrate proficient levels of performance relative to the State content standards in reading, mathematics, science and social studies. The student may demonstrate proficient levels of performance through Other Academic Indicators. |
14 DE ADC 505, CDR 14-101.9.1.1 |
District of Columbia | 4 credits in social studies, including World History I & II, DC History, US Government, US History. | CDCR 5-E2203.3 |
Florida | Three credits in social studies.--A student must earn one credit in United States History; one credit in World History; one-half credit in economics, which must include financial literacy; and one-half credit in United States Government. The United States History EOC assessment constitutes 30 percent of the student's final course grade. |
Fla. Stat. § 1003.4282(3)(d) |
Georgia | Three Carnegie units of credit shall be required in social studies for the High School Diploma (HSD), the Vocational Endorsement (VE) and the College Preparatory Endorsement (CPE). One Carnegie unit shall be required in United States history. One Carnegie unit shall be required from the world studies area, e.g., world history or world geography. World history shall be required for the College Preparatory Endorsement. One quarter or one semester of citizenship education (government) shall be required. One quarter or one semester of Principles of Economics/Business/Free Enterprise shall be required. Systems organized on the quarter system shall add one other one-quarter social studies course from the political science/government area or from the economics area or from the international relations area to the Citizenship Education and Principles of Economics/Business/Free Enterprise courses to complete the Carnegie unit requirement. Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT) – a set of four curriculum based assessments that students must pass in order to earn a regular Georgia high school diploma. The tests are normally taken for the first time in spring of the 11th grade, and cover English/language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. High school graduation test in social studies includes American Government/Civics (17-19% of exam items). Students who entered ninth grade for the first time between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2011, may satisfy the GHSGT requirement for graduation by achieving proficiency (meeting the standard) on one of the two End of Course Tests (EOCT) in each subject area (language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies) or passing the corresponding subject-area GHSGT. Students who entered ninth grade for the first time between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2011, may satisfy the GHSGT requirement for graduation by achieving proficiency (meeting the standard) on one of the two End of Course Tests (EOCT) in each subject area (language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies) or passing the corresponding subject-area GHSGT. Students who enter ninth grade for the first time on July 1, 2011 or after shall not take and therefore are not required to pass the GHSGT. |
Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 160-4-2-.06.44.00 Ga. Comp. R. & Regs., r. 160-3-1-.07, Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 160-4-2-.06.44.00 |
Hawaii | 4 credits including: U.S. History and Government (1.0 credit); and World History and Culture (1.0 credit); and Modern History of Hawaii (0.5 credit); and Participation in a Democracy (0.5 credit); and Social Studies basic elective (1.0 credit) |
http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/DOE%20Forms/Graduation%20Brochures/Grad2016Brochure.pdf |
Idaho | Five credits required including government (2 credits), U.S. history (2 credits), and economics (1 credit). Current world affairs and geography will be integrated into all social studies instruction. Courses such as geography, sociology, world affairs and world history may be offered as electives, not to be counted as a social studies requirement. | IDAPA 08.02.03.105 |
Illinois | As a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, each pupil entering the 9th grade in the 2008-2009 school year or a subsequent school year must, in addition to other course requirements, successfully complete all of the following courses Two years of social studies, of which at least one year must be history of the United States or a combination of history of the United States and American government and, beginning with pupils entering the 9th grade in the 2016-2017 school year and each school year thereafter, at least one semester must be civics, which shall help young people acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and responsible citizens throughout their lives. Civics course content shall focus on government institutions, the discussion of current and controversial issues, service learning, and simulations of the democratic process. School districts may utilize private funding available for the purposes of offering civics education. "American patriotism and the principles of representative government, as enunciated in the American Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and the proper use and display of the American flag, shall be taught in all public schools and other educational institutions supported or maintained in whole or in part by public funds. No student shall receive a certificate of graduation without passing a satisfactory examination upon such subjects." |
105 ILCS 5/27-22.a.4 |
Indiana | The social studies requirement shall include the following: (A) Two (2) credits in United States history. (B) One (1) credit in United States government. (C) One (1) credit in another social studies course. Sec. 2. (a) Each public and nonpublic high school shall provide a required course that is: (1) not less than one (1) year of school work; and (2) in the: (A) historical; (B) political; (C) civic;(D) sociological; (E) economical; and (F) philosophical; aspects of the constitutions of Indiana and the United States. (b) The state board shall:(1) prescribe the course described in this section and the course's appropriate outlines; and (2) adopt the necessary textbooks for uniform instruction. (c) A high school student may not receive a diploma unless the student has successfully completed the interdisciplinary course described in this section. Sec. 4. (a) Each public school and nonpublic school shall provide within the two (2) weeks preceding a general election for all students in grades 6 through 12 five (5) full recitation periods of class discussion concerning: (1) the system of government in Indiana and in the United States; (2) methods of voting; (3) party structures; (4) election laws; and (5) the responsibilities of citizen participation in government and in elections. (b) A student may not receive a high school diploma unless the student has completed a two (2) semester course in American history. |
511 IAC 6-7-6.1.b, IC 20-30-5-2, IC 20-30-5-4 |
Iowa | Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year graduating class, all students in schools and school districts shall satisfactorily complete at least three units of social studies. The three units of social studies may include the existing graduation requirements of one-half unit of United States government and one unit of United States history. In implementing the high school program standards, the following curriculum standards shall be used. Social studies instruction shall include citizenship education, history, and the social sciences. Instruction shall encompass the history of the United States and the history and cultures of other peoples and nations including the analysis of persons, events, issues, and historical evidence reflecting time, change, and cause and effect. Instruction in United States government shall include an overview of American government through the study of the United States Constitution, the bill of rights, the federal system of government, and the structure and relationship between the national, state, county, and local governments; and voter education including instruction in statutes and procedures, voter registration requirements, the use of paper ballots and voting machines in the election process, and the method of acquiring and casting an absentee ballot. Students' knowledge of the Constitution and the bill of rights shall be assessed. Democratic beliefs and values, problem-solving skills, and social and political skills shall be incorporated. All students in grades nine through twelve must, as a condition of graduation, complete a minimum of one-half unit of United States government and one unit of United States history and receive instruction in the government of Iowa. The board of directors of each local public school district and the authorities in charge of each nonpublic school shall require that all students in grades nine through twelve complete, as a condition of graduation, instruction in American history and the governments of Iowa and the United States, including instruction in voting statutes and procedures, voter registration requirements, the use of paper ballots and voting machines in the election process, and the method of acquiring and casting an absentee ballot. Beginning with students in the 2010-2011 school year graduating class, high school graduation requirements for all students in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools include satisfactory completion of three years of social studies. |
281 IAC 12.5(256), Iowa Code §280.9A, Iowa Code § 256.7(26) |
Kansas | Each local board of education shall adopt a written policy specifying that pupils are eligible for graduation only upon completion of at least the following requirements: ... (2) three units of history and government, which shall include world history; United States history; United States government, including the Constitution of the United States; concepts of economics and geography; and, except as otherwise provided in S.B.R. 91-31-32, a course of instruction in Kansas history and government." | KAR 91-31-35 |
Kentucky | Social studies - three (3) credits to include the content contained in the Kentucky core academic standards for social studies Minimum requirements for high school graduation: Beginning with the graduating class of 2012, minimum requirements for social studies are: "three credits to include the content strands of historical perspective, including U.S. History, geography, economics, government and civics, and cultures and societies." |
704 KAR 3:305 §1-2 http://education.ky.gov/curriculum/standards/kyacadstand/Documents/Kentucky%20Academic%20Standards_Final-9%2011%2015.pdf |
Louisiana | 3 units of social studies, including 0.5 unit of civics. (2)(a) Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year: (i) The curriculum for Civics, and courses permitted to substitute for Civics, shall contain a unit of study that includes civics-related subject matter of which naturalized citizens are required to demonstrate a knowledge.
(ii) As a means to inform civics-related curricula and instruction, each student enrolled in Civics, or a course permitted to substitute for Civics, shall be administered a test based upon the civics portion of the naturalization test used by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to survey his knowledge of the fundamentals of the history, principles, and form of the United States government.
(b) The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Subsection.
Graduation Exit Examination (GEE 21) includes assessment of social studies skills. |
La. R.S. 17:274.1, LAC 28:CXI.1301 |
Maine | Two years of social studies and history, including American history, government and civics "One credit in American history and government shall be required as part of a comprehensive course that includes instruction in the importance of voting, the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship, the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence." |
20-A M.R.S. §4722, CMR 05-071-127 §7.02 |
Maryland | Social studies - three credits including one credit in United States history, one credit in world history, and one credit in local, State, and national government aligned with the Maryland High School Assessment for government To be awarded the Maryland High School Diploma, all students, including elementary and middle school students who take high school level courses, shall take the Maryland High School Assessment for algebra, biology, English, and government after the student completes the required course. |
COMAR 13A.03.02.03, COMAR 13A.03.02.06 |
Massachusetts | Section 2. In all public elementary and high schools American history and civics, including the constitution of the United States, the declaration of independence and the bill of rights, and in all public high schools the constitution of the commonwealth and local history and government and a program relating to the flag of the United States of America, including, but not limited to, proper etiquette, the correct use and display of the flag, the importance of participation in the electoral process and the provisions of 36 U.S.C. 170 to 177, inclusive, shall be taught as required subjects for the purpose of promoting civic service and a greater knowledge thereof, and of fitting the pupils, morally and intellectually, for the duties of citizenship. | G.L. c. 71, § 2 |
Michigan | Three units including one credit in United States history and geography, one credit in world history and geography, ½ credit in economics, and ½ credit in civics. A high school in this state which offers 12 grades shall require a 1-semester course of study of 5 periods per week in civics which shall include the form and functions of the federal, state, and local governments and shall stress the rights and responsibilities of citizens. A diploma shall not be issued by a high school to a pupil who has not successfully completed this course. This requirement shall not be applicable as a graduation requirement for a high school pupil who has enlisted or been inducted into military service. |
MCL 380.1278a, M.C.L.A. 380.1166 |
Minnesota | Students are required to complete 3.5 credits, "encompassing at least United States history, geography, government and citizenship, world history, and economics --OR-- three credits of social studies encompassing at least United States history, geography, government and citizenship, world history and one-half credit of economics taught in a school's social studies, business, or agricultural education department." The 89th Minnesota Legislature's H.F. No. 2749, Conference Committee Report, Article 5, Section 3 includes Subdivision 3 titled: "Required knowledge and understanding of civics." This Subdivision states, "Students enrolled in a public school must correctly answer at least 30 of the 50 civics test questions." (line 444.30) Schools or districts determine the logistics for administering the civics test questions and for recording the results. "A district must not prevent a student from graduation or deny a student a high school diploma for failing to correctly answer at least 30 of 50 civics test questions." (line 445.4) This legislation is effective for students enrolling in grade 9 in the 2017-2018 school year. The Learning Law and Democracy Foundation, in consultation with civics teachers, annually selects 50 of the 100 questions used by the United States citizenship and immigration services (USCIS Naturalization Test). |
Minn. Stat. §120B.024.4, http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/dse/stds/soc/ |
Mississippi | 4 Carnegie units of social studies to include 1 U.S. History 1 World History 0.5 Geography 0.5 Economics 0.5 U.S Government 0.5 Mississippi Studies Passage of the end-of-course test for "U.S. History from 1877" (including civic competencies) is required for high school graduation as part of the Subject Area Testing Program. (State Board Policy 3600) Starting in the 2016-2017 school year, SATP scores will constitute 25 percent of a student’s final grade.) |
http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/docs/dropout-prevention-and-compulsory-school-attendance-library/mississippi-high-school-nbsp-graduation-pathway.pdf?sfvrsn=0 |
Missouri | Missouri high school graduates must earn at least three units selected to enable students to master important knowledge and skills in the areas of civic knowledge and responsibility; economic systems and functions; governmental functions; geography; world history; and American history. One of the three units must be American history, and the equivalent of one half unit must be in government. All schools are required to provide regular instruction in the constitutions of the United States and of the state of Missouri and in American history and institutions. "No pupil shall receive a certificate of graduation from any public or private school other than private trade schools unless he has satisfactorily passed an examination on the provisions and principles of the Constitution of the United States and of the state of Missouri, and in American history and American institutions." Any student entering the ninth grade after July 1, 2017, who is attending any public, charter, or private school, except private trade schools, as a condition of high school graduation shall pass an examination on the provisions and principles of American civics. 3. The examination shall consist of one hundred questions similar to the one hundred questions used by the USCIS that are administered to applicants for U.S. citizenship. "To be eligible for graduation from high school, a student must satisfactorily pass a test or tests on the provisions and principles of the U.S. and Missouri constitutions and in American history and institutions at some time(s) during grades 7-12. The design, content and passing criteria for the test(s) are at the discretion of local school districts. ... Students must also pass the course or courses designated as containing the required instruction in the institutions, branches and functions of federal, state and local government and in the electoral processes." (Graduation Requirements for Students in Missouri Public Schools, page 27. Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) |
5 CSR 50-345.3, R.S.Mo. § 170.011 https://dese.mo.gov/sites/default/files/Graduation%20Handbook.pdf 2016 Mo. Legis. Serv. H.B. 1646, 2132 & 1621 |
Montana | Two units of social studies. | Mont. Admin. R. 10.55.905 |
Nebraska | Social Science - 40 instructional units. The curriculum includes content drawn from American and world history, geography, economics, civics, government and citizenship and may also include content from other social science areas such as sociology, psychology, and anthropology. This includes instruction in the U.S. and Nebraska Constitutions, the benefits and advantages of our government, the dangers of Nazism, Communism, and similar ideologies, the duties of citizenship and the appropriate patriotic exercises to include Lincoln’s birthday, Washington’s birthday, Flag Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day as provided in 79-724 R.R.S. All history courses stress contributions of all ethnic groups in the development and growth of America. |
92 NAC 10 § 003.05, Title 92 Rule 10 Section 004.04b2 https://www.education.ne.gov/legal/webrulespdf/CLEANRule10_2015.pdf |
Nevada | Satisfactory completion of courses in American government and American history is required for graduation. (). |
NAC 389.511, NRS 385.080, 110, NRS 389.0185, 520 NRS 389.035 |
New Hampshire | 20 credits required for graduation include: one credit in United States and New Hampshire history, one-half credit in United States and New Hampshire government/civics, one-half credit in world history, global studies or geography. | N.H. Code Admin. R. Ann. Chapter Ed 306.27m |
New Jersey | At least 15 credits in social studies are required, including a two-year course of study in the history of the United States and the state of New Jersey, "five credits in world history; and the integration of civics, economics, geography and global content in all course offerings" (N.J.A.C. 6a:8-5.1) A 2-year course of study in history is mandated for all students. "The superintendent of schools in each school district shall prepare and recommend to the board of education of the district, and the board of education shall adopt a suitable two-year course of study in the history of the United States, including the history of New Jersey, to be given to each student during the last four years of high school. Said course of study shall include materials recommended by the commissioner dealing with the history of the Negro in America." |
N.J.A.C. 6a:8-5.1, N.J. Stat. § 18A:35-1 |
New Mexico | High school graduation requirements include "three and one-half units in social science, which shall include United States history and geography, world history and geography and government and economics, and one-half unit of New Mexico history." (N.M. Stat. Ann. § 22-13-1.1-I) "Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, a student shall not receive a New Mexico diploma of excellence if the student has not demonstrated competence in the subject areas of mathematics, reading and language arts, writing, social studies and science, including a section on the constitution of the United States and the constitution of New Mexico, based on a standards-based assessment or assessments or a portfolio of standards-based indicators established by the department by rule." Summer civics courses or programs may be offered as an elective course to count toward credits needed to graduate and to earn a New Mexico Diploma of Excellence. |
N.M. Stat. Ann. § 22-13-1.1-I, N.M. Stat. Ann. § 22-13-1.1-L, N.M. Stat. Ann. §22-13-1.1 |
New York | Four units of credit in social studies, to include one unit of credit in American history and one half unit of credit in participation in government and one half unit of credit in economics or their equivalent. To qualify for a Regents or a local diploma, students must pass the Regents exam in United States History and Government. | 8 NYCRR §100.5 |
North Carolina | 3 credits in Civics and Economics, U.S. history and World History required for all courses of study except 2 credits in Government/U.S. History and Advocacy/Problem Solving required for Occupational Preparation course of study. (16 N.C.A.C. 6D.0503.e.1) "Local boards of education shall require that high school students demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the nation's founding and related documents in order to receive a certificate or diploma of graduation from high school." (N.C. Gen. Stat. §115C-81.g.2) "Local boards of education shall include among the requirements for graduation from high school a passing grade in all courses that include primary instruction in the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and its amendments, and the most important of the Federalist Papers." |
16 N.C.A.C. 6D.0503.e.1, N.C. Gen. Stat. §115C-81.g.2, N.C. Gen. Stat. §115C-81.g.3 |
North Dakota | Three units of social studies, including:a. One unit of United States history;b. (1) One-half unit of United States government and one-half unit of economics; or(2) One unit of problems of democracy; andc. One unit or two one-half units of any other social studies, which may include civics, civilization, geography and history, multicultural studies, North Dakota studies, psychology, sociology, and world history. | NDCC, 15.1-21-02.2 |
Ohio | Requirements for graduation from every high school shall include twenty units earned in grades nine through twelve and shall be distributed as follows: (6) History and government, one unit, which shall include both of the following: (a) American history, one-half unit; (b) American government, one-half unit; and (7) Social studies, two units." Beginning with students who enter ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2012, the required study of American history and American government shall include the study of all of the following documents: (1) The Declaration of Independence; (2) The Northwest Ordinance; (3) The Constitution of the United States with emphasis on the Bill of Rights; and (4) The Ohio Constitution. | Ohio Rev. Code Ann § 3313.603(B) |
Oklahoma | Social studies standards and curriculum guidelines are detailed in Oklahoma Administrative Code. (OAC §210:15-3) Civics and government are included in the social studies core content areas. "The goal of civics and government is to develop informed, competent, and responsible citizens who are politically aware and active and committed to the fundamental values and principles of American constitutional democracy." Standard 13 in the United States Government course is: "The student will explain the rights, responsibilities, and benefits of citizenship in the United States, such as voting, jury duty, obedience to lawful authority, and private ownership of property." (Priority Academic Student Skills [PASS]) |
OAC §210:15-3 |
Oregon | 3 units of credit in history, civics, geography and economics. In addition, high school students must be assessed by districts and public charter schools for proficiency in the Essential Skills in order to be eligible for a diploma. The Essential Skills are cross-academic process skills, embedded in the content standards, and include "Demonstrate civic and community engagement." | OAR 581-022-1130 |
Pennsylvania | Social Studies--3 planned courses, each 120-clock hours. History and Government of the United States and Pennsylvania shall be taught as required in section 1605 of the Public School Code of 1949. In all public, private or parochial schools, there shall be integrated in the social studies curriculum courses of study as provided in this act. It shall be the duty of the superintendent having supervision over any high school to prepare, and recommend to the board of school directors maintaining the same, suitable courses of study, which shall be adopted by said board of school directors, with such changes as they may deem wise, subject to the provisions of this act. During grades seven through twelve inclusive, there shall be included at least four semesters or equivalent study in the history and government of that portion of America which has become the United States of America, and of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, of such nature, kind or quality, as to have for its purpose the developing, teaching and presentation of the principles and ideals of the American republican representative form of government, as portrayed and experienced by the acts and policies of the framers of the Declaration of Independence and framers of the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. The study of the history of the United States, including the study of the Constitution of the United States and the study of the history and Constitution of this Commonwealth, shall also be such as will emphasize the good, worthwhile and best features and points of the social, economic and cultural development, the growth of the American family life, high standard of living of the United States citizen, the privileges enjoyed by such citizens, their heritage and its derivations of and in our principles of government. Such instruction shall have for its purpose also the instilling into every boy and girl who comes out of our public, private and parochial schools their solemn duty and obligation to exercise intelligently their voting privilege and to understand the advantages of the American republican form of government as compared with various other forms of government. |
22 Pa. Code § 57.31, 4 Pa. Code § 16-1605, 24 P. S. § 16-1605 |
Rhode Island | Commencing with the graduating class of 2014, each LEA shall create a composite measure of each student’s overall proficiency in the six core academic areas: English language arts, math, science, social studies, the arts, and technology. These six core content areas shall be aligned to state adopted standards and locally adopted national standards in those content areas for which 6 there are no state standards. This composite measure shall be derived from a conjunctive review of three sources of evidence: (1) individual student results on the state assessment in content areas designated by the Board of Regents; and (2) successful course completion; and (3) successful completion of two performance-based diploma assessments. These requirements are set forth in sections L-6-3.1, L-6-3.2 and L-6-3.3 of these regulations. In order to be eligible for a diploma, students must meet state and local requirements in all three areas. | Regulations of The Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education, Section L-6-3.1 |
South Carolina | Requirements for earning a South Carolina High School diploma include 3 units of social studies: 1 unit in U.S. History and Constitution, 0.5 unit in U.S. Government, 0.5 unit in economics and 1 unit in other social studies course(s). In addition, "The student must pass a classroom examination on the provisions and principles of the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist papers, and American institutions and ideals. This instruction must be given for a period of at least one year or its equivalent, either within the required course U.S. History and Constitution or within another course." | S.C. Code Regs. 43-234 |
South Dakota | Three units or more of social studies that include a minimum of the following: (a) One unit of U.S. history; (b) One-half unit of U.S. government; (c) One-half unit of geography; and (d) One-half unit of world history." | ARSD 24:43:11:02 |
Tennessee | 3 units of Social Studies, including U.S. history, world history/geography, economics and government. | Rules of the State Board of Education: Rule 0520-01-03-.06 |
Texas | Satisfactory performance on the grade 11 exit exam in social studies is a prerequisite for high school graduation. Requirements under the Minimum high school program include: "Social studies--two and one-half credits. The credits must consist of World History Studies (one credit) or World Geography Studies (one credit), United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (one credit), and United States Government (one-half credit)." Requirements under the Recommended High School Program and the Distinguished Achievement Program include: "Social studies--three and one-half credits. The credits must consist of World History Studies (one credit), World Geography Studies (one credit), United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (one credit), and United States Government (one-half credit)." |
TEC §39.023-025, 19 TAC §74.11,19 TAC §74.12 and 19 TAC §74.13 |
Utah | Social Studies (3.0 units of credit) shall be met minimally through successful completion of:(a) 2.5 units of credit from the following courses:Geography for Life (0.5 units of credit); World Civilizations (0.5 units of credit);U.S. History (1.0 units of credit, and U.S. Government and Citizenship (0.5 units of credit);Social Studies (0.5 units of credit per LEA discretion); and a basic civics test or alternate assessment. An LEA shall:(a) administer a basic civics test in accordance with the requirements of Section 53A-13-109.5; and (b) require a student to pass the basic civics test as a condition of receiving: (i) a high school diploma; or (ii) an adult education secondary diploma Effective for graduating students beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, requirements include 2.5 units of credit in social studies: Geography for Life (0.5 credit), World Civilizations (0.5 credit), U.S. History (1.0 credit), U.S. Government and Citizenship (0.5 credit). |
U.A.C. R277-700-7, |
Vermont | Each secondary school board is responsible for setting graduation requirements in accordance with these rules. Should include: global citizenship (including the concepts of civics, economics, geography, world language, cultural studies and history) |
Vermont State Board of Education Rules Series 2000, #2120.8.7, Vt. Admin. Code 7-1-2:2120 |
Virginia | 3 Credits: For students entering the ninth grade for the first time in 2011-2012 and beyond: Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include U.S. and Virginia History, U.S. and Virginia Government, and one course in either world history or geography or both. The Board shall approve courses to satisfy this requirement | http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/graduation/standard.shtml#note3 |
Washington | Minimum requirements: 2.5 Credits: one credit in United States history and government, one-half credit in Washington state history and government, including the state Constitution and one credit which can be filled with an elective civics course. If the state board of education increases the number of social studies credits required for graduation under Wash. Rev. Code § 28A.230.090, the state board "shall also require that at least one-half credit of that requirement be coursework in civics. The content of such civics coursework must include, but not be limited to: (a) Federal, state, and local government organization and procedures; (b) Rights and responsibilities of citizens addressed in the state and United States Constitutions; (c) Current issues addressed at each level of government; and (d) Electoral issues, including elections, ballot measures, initiatives and referenda." In addition, minimum requirement for public, four-year colleges and universities is 3 years of social studies. Recommended courses for highly selective colleges and universities include 4 years of social studies. (Department of Public Instruction Web site) The study of the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Washington shall be a condition prerequisite to graduation. The legislature finds that the "purpose of a high school diploma is to declare that a student is ready for success in post-secondary education, gainful employment, and citizenship, and is equipped with the skills to be a lifelong learner." Pursuant to WAC 180-51-060, one credit shall be required in United States history and government which shall include study of the Constitution of the United States. No other course content may be substituted as an equivalency for this requirement. (2) (a) Pursuant to the provisions of RCW 28A.230.170, 28A.230.090, and WAC 180-51-060, one-half credit shall be required in Washington state history and government which shall include study of the Constitution of the state of Washington and is encouraged to include information on the culture, history, and government of the American Indian people who were the first inhabitants of the state. Pursuant to WAC 180-51-060, one credit shall be required in contemporary world history, geography, and problems. Courses in economics, sociology, civics, political science, international relations, or related courses with emphasis on current problems may be accepted as equivalencies. |
WAC § 180-51-075, WAC § 28A.230.093, WAC § 28A.230.170, WAC § 28A.230.090, WAC 180-51-060 |
West Virginia | Graduation requirements include 4 credits in social studies: World Studies to 1900, United States Studies to 1900, Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries Studies, Civics for the 21st Century. | W. Va. CSR §126-042 Chart V [C] |
Wisconsin | Graduation requirements include "3 credits of social studies including state and local government." Civics Test Graduation Requirement added in 2015. Starting with the class of 2017, in order to receive a diploma from a Wisconsin public school, students must pass 60 of 100 questions identical to the USCIS citizenship exam. |
Wi. Stat. §118.33(1)(a)1, Wis. Adm. Code PI 18.03 |
Wyoming | Graduation requirements include 3 school years of social studies, including history, American government and economic systems and institutions. "All schools and colleges in this state that are supported in any manner by public funds shall give instruction in the essentials of the United States constitution and the constitution of the state of Wyoming, including the study of and devotion to American institution and ideals, and no student shall receive a high school diploma, associate degree or baccalaureate degree without satisfactorily passing an examination on the principles of the constitution of the United States and the state of Wyoming. The instruction shall be given for at least three (3) years in kindergarten through grade eight (8) and for one (1) year each in the secondary and college grades." |
Wyo. Stat. § 21-2-304 WCWR 005-000-031 § 9.b |
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