Frequently Asked Questions for Social Studies
Graduation Requirements
World History Requirement for Students
Historical Documents
End-of-Course Exams
Graduation Requirements
What are the social studies graduation requirements for students in Ohio?
The graduation requirements in social studies, as outlined in
Ohio Revised Code 3313.603, require:
- One-half unit in American history;
- One-half unit of American government; and
- Two units of social studies, and of the two units of instruction, at least one-half unit of instruction in the study of world history and civilizations must be included.
Please visit the
graduation requirements webpage for more information.
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World History Requirement for Students
What content must be covered the world history course requirement?
World history and civilizations courses should include the study of multiple civilizations outside the U.S., with an element of historical examination. Human geography, world issues, world history and other world studies courses may meet the requirement. A course focused mostly on history must include multiple civilizations outside of the U.S.
Civilizations are defined by:
- Cities;
- Well-organized central governments;
- Complex religions;
- Job specialization;
- Social classes;
- Arts and architecture;
- Public works; and
- Writing.
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What courses can be used to meet this requirement?
- Ohio’s Learning Standards courses for Modern World History and Contemporary World Issues;
- Advanced Placement World History;
- Advanced Placement European History;
- Advanced Placement Human Geography;
- International Baccalaureate History.
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Will there be a state assessment in world history?
There is no state-required assessment connected with the study of world history and civilizations.
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Historical Documents
What content needs to be taught to comply with the historical documents law?
In compliance with Ohio Revised Code
3301.079(A)(1)(b), the Ohio Department of Education includes references to the historical documents in its high school American history and American government course syllabi and Model Curricula. The documents also are referenced in the Model Curricula for grades 4 and 8. The law requires the instruction of these documents in their original text and historical context.
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How does the historical documents law impact end-of-course tests?
The assessment of the documents in the American history and American government end-of-courses state tests is required. Twenty percent of the value of the American government test must be based on the historical documents.
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End-of-Course Exams
Where can I find the test specifications for social studies?
Test specifications are located on Ohio's State Tests Portal
resource page.
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Where can I find released questions?
Items used on previous tests are released for the public. Those items can be found on Ohio's State Tests Portal
resource page.
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Where is the student practice test site?
Ohio's State Tests Portal allows for students to practice taking a test online, simulating an actual testing experience. Click the icon for the Student Practice Site.
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If a student takes an Advanced Placement course, is the student exempt from taking the state end-of-course test?
A student enrolled in Advanced Placement United States history or Advanced Placement United States government and politics is exempt from taking state end-of-course tests only if the student takes the AP test. If a student enrolled in either of these courses elects not to take the AP test, the student will be required to take the Ohio test.
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Last Modified: 9/25/2023 1:09:10 PM