What are the Civics GSEs?
The Civics GSEs are a set of educational standards that were developed in accordance with a Rhode Island law (16-22-2) on civics education. The Civics GSEs identify the content knowledge and skills expected of all Rhode Island students (grades K-12) in the areas of civics, citizenship, government, historical thinking skills, historical analysis skills, historical application skills, and Rhode Island history. The Civics GSEs are meant to capture the “big ideas” of civics and history that can be taught and assessed without narrowing the curriculum locally. They are a framework for school districts to use to ensure that civics education is taught in their schools. The Civics GSEs are broad enough in wording and content to not limit or significantly change existing coursework and curriculum, while being specific enough to identify the essential knowledge and skills needed for student literacy in the community, political, and historical arenas.
