The Social Science Standards
The 2024 Social Science Standards were adopted by the State Board of Education on June 13th. The public survey closed on May 6th, and the ODE team will review feedback and will continue to refine the standards based on the comments and recommendations from the public and our community partners. Thank you to all who contributed during the public comment period. The Social Science Standards are required for K-12 implementation no later than the 26-27 school year. For questions or comments about the standards, please contact
ode.socialscience@ode.oregon.gov.
2018-2021 Ethnic Studies Integrated Social Science Standards Crosswalk
2021-2024 Content Standards Crosswalks
Social Science Instructional Framework
Ready to implement Oregon's new social science standards? ODE has created comprehensive professional learning resources and toolkits designed for educators at every level. Whether you're a teacher looking for free online courses, an educator leading professional learning needing presentation materials, or a school leader seeking communication resources for families, these ready-to-use packages will help you successfully adopt and implement the standards. Dive deep with six specialized Canvas modules , explore discussion guides, slide decks and family communication tools on the 2024 Social Science standards. These social science resources are available on
ODE's Social Science Instructional Frameworks page.
Social Science Standards Webinars
Social Sciences Overview
Social Sciences education includes the study of civics, economics, geography, and history and aims to help students develop as rational, humane, and productive citizens in a democratic society. The Social Science Standards provide educators with guidance for selecting and designing learning. The Social Sciences instructional materials and resources button includes information for districts, schools, teachers, parents, and students on books and other instructional materials aligned to the social science standards. Additional resources and curriculum are available at Oregon Open Learning. Past Social Science newsletters are available under the Newsletter Archive button.
Social Science Legislation
SB 1050 Professional Learning Related to Teaching Inclusive Social Science Standards
In the 2023 legislative session, The Oregon Legislature adopted Senate Bill 1050 requiring ODE to provide professional learning for the implementation of inclusive social science standards. The Senate Bill 1050 overview provides additional information about this legislation.
SB 513 High School Civics Credit Requirement
In the 2021 legislative session, the Oregon Legislature adopted Senate Bill 513 requiring students to earn 0.5 civics course credit to fulfill graduation requirements, beginning with the class of 2026 (current 8th-grade students).
This new law ensures that all students in Oregon graduate with the civic knowledge to be empowered, engaged, and informed members of a democratic society. The civics credit guidance document outlines the new requirements of the .5 credit for a high school transcript.
How Civics Credits Can be Earned
The total number of high school credits (24) and social science credits (3) remains unchanged, but at least 0.5 of the three social science credits must now include civics. U.S. civics and/or government courses that incorporate all high school civics and government standards will meet the requirements of the proposed new rule. Some schools may already offer a civics course aligned with Oregon's high school civics standards, others may need to review their social science offerings to create a course that meets this requirement. Schools without a qualifying civics course will need to develop a course to meet this new civics graduation requirement.
SB 702 Strengthening Civics Instruction
During the 2021 Legislative session, the Oregon State Legislature passed Senate Bill 702, directing the State Board of Education to review the social science standards related to civics instruction.
Social Science Websites
History
-
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress. The Library's mission is to make its resources available and useful to the Congress and the American people and to sustain and preserve a universal collection of knowledge and creativity for future generations. -
Oregon Historical Society
OHS’s mission is to preserve our state’s history and make it accessible to everyone in ways that advance knowledge and inspire curiosity about all the people, places, and events that have shaped Oregon.
-
Smithsonian Institution
The world's largest museum complex and research organization composed of 19 museums, 9 research centers, and the National Zoo. Visit the Smithsonian in person or online and you will see why it represents for so many the treasured icons of our past, the vibrant art of the present, and the scientific promise of the future. -
U.S. Holocaust Museum
A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum stimulates leaders and citizens to confront hatred, prevent genocide, promote human dignity, and strengthen democracy. -
History Matters!
Designed for high school and college teachers and students, History Matters serves as a gateway to web resources and offers other useful materials for teaching U.S. history. -
Oregon Humanities
Civics
- Classroom Law Project
Helps students at all grade levels learn to be informed and active citizens who can foster, sustain, and preserve a free democratic society. - Street Law
Street Law is practical, participatory education about law, democracy, and human rights. A unique blend of content and methodology, Street Law uses techniques that promote cooperative learning, critical thinking, and the ability to participate in a democratic society. - USA for UN Refugee Agency
Teaching about Human Rights, Tolerance, and Refugees. Builds support in the United States for the humanitarian work of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Our mission is to inform Americans about the plight of refugees and advocate for their protection. We want to give individual Americans, frustrated by the growing refugee crisis and their own inability to do something to help, a way to put action behind their words. - CNN - Politics
Political news, opinion, and analysis from CNN. - Project Vote Smart
Americans young and old volunteer their time, take no money from special interest groups, and have committed themselves to an extraordinary effort that, if successful, will provide their fellow citizens with the tools for a reemergence of political power not known for half a century. Their idea is one you may have thought of yourself. It is a deceptively simple concept but enormously difficult to achieve and would not be possible without the collaboration of citizens willing to lay their partisan differences aside for this one crucial task. - Oregon HS International Relations League/Model United Nations
Economics
- Federal Reserve
Here you can find links to instructional materials and tools that can increase your understanding of the Federal Reserve, economics and financial education. - Federal Reserve Education
This site is a resource where you will find information regarding the financial crises, the Fed's response, and the road ahead. - Jump Start - Oregon
The Oregon Jump Start Coalition is a statewide, all volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the financial literacy of Oregon’s youth. We are a coalition, comprised of individuals, non-profit and governmental agencies and the corporate sector. The Coalition believes that all youth must have the financial literacy necessary to make informed financial decisions. - National Council on Economic Education
A nationwide network that leads in promoting economic literacy with students and their teachers. NCEE's mission is to help students develop the real-life skills they need to succeed: to be able to think and choose responsibly as consumers, savers, investors, citizens, members of the workforce, and effective participants in a global economy. - Center for Economic Education
Geography
- National Council on Geographic Education
Since 1888, we've traveled the Earth, sharing its amazing stories with each new generation. National Geographic's Mission Programs support critical expeditions and scientific fieldwork, encourage geography education for students, promote natural and cultural conservation, and inspire audiences through new media, vibrant exhibitions, and live events.