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Frequently Asked Questions for Social Studies

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.

Where can I find more information about Ohio’s point system for graduation?
Students are now under the points system for graduation and take the Ohio created end-of-course exams for American history and government. The score will count toward graduation points if that is the pathway students choose for graduation.

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.

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.

Will there be a state assessment in world history?
There is no state-required assessment connected with the study of world history and civilizations.

Historical Documents

What content needs to be taught to comply with the historical documents law?
In compliance with Ohio Revised Code 3301.079(A)(1)(b), the Ohio Department of Education includes references to the historical documents in its high school American history and American government course syllabi and Model Curricula.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.

How does the historical documents law impact end-of-course tests?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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

U.S. Senate Youth Program

What is the U.S. Senate Youth Program?
The United States Senate Youth Program, established in 1962 by U.S. resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. The annual program will be held in Washington, D.C. each March. Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action. Student delegates hear major policy addresses by Senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense, and directors of other federal agencies, as well as participate in a meeting with a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses are provided by The Hearst Foundations. In addition, each delegate is awarded a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.

Who is eligible to participate?
The Hearst Foundation stresses the following desired qualities in candidates:

Leadership and public speaking ability;
High scholastic standing and demonstrated ability to achieve;
Articulate and logical thought processes;
Community and public service involvement;
Participation in a wide selection of activities on and off campus, such as music and sports; and
Adequate social skills to participate in a large and dynamic group with relative ease.

In Ohio, the United States Senate Youth Program makes its student selections from among participants who attend Buckeye Boys, Buckeye Girls State or the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership program in Ohio. These programs occur in June before the students' junior and senior years. The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary will select nominees for the U.S. Senate Youth Program from those seniors-to-be attending Buckeye Boys and Girls State. The Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership program will do the same from juniors-to-be at its summer programs held around the state. The nominated students will compete further in the fall to be one of two students awarded to participate in the program.

Where are the eligibility requirements posted?

Last Modified: 7/11/2022 5:14:03 PM