Why are the Civics standards “grade span expectations” (GSEs) instead of “grade level expectations” (GLEs)?
The Civics GSEs were specifically developed as grade span expectations rather than grade level expectations to respect the local control of curriculum. Since civics is just one of the many disciplines within the social studies content area, the intent was to develop standards that identify the key concepts of civics and history that can be applied in a variety of areas and ways. Creating grade level expectations would have limited flexibility in local development of curriculum and in districts’ ability to determine when certain topics are introduced within their scope and sequence.
Related Questions
- What standards should be used for topics not covered by the Civics GSEs (when developing lesson plans or curriculum)?
- Why are the Civics standards "grade span expectations" (GSEs) instead of "grade level expectations" (GLEs)?
- May report card grades for a student with a disability be based on grade level standards?
