Welcome to Social Studies

Social Studies Overview

The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) defines social studies as “the study of individuals, communities, systems, and their interactions across time and place that prepares students for local, national, and global civic life.” 

The Utah Standards for Social Studies reflect the content, concepts, and skills considered essential for all students, and follow the purpose of social studies education, as explained by NCSS: Using an inquiry-based approach, social studies helps students examine vast human experiences through the generation of questions, collection and analysis of evidence from credible sources, consideration of multiple perspectives, and the application of social studies knowledge and disciplinary skills. As a result of examining the past, participating in the present, and learning how to shape the future, social studies prepares learners for a lifelong practice of civil discourse and civic engagement in their communities. Social studies centers knowledge of human rights and local, national, and global responsibilities so that learners can work together to create a just world in which they want to live.

The term "literacy" is too often considered solely an English Language Arts term. In fact, literacy is a term that transcends disciplines. Disciplinary literacy plays a crucial role in the cultivation of informed, responsible participants in political life - competent citizens who are committed to the fundamental values and principles of representative democracy (as explained in Utah Code 53G-10-204). We must have historically literate students, with all the skills essential to understand and appreciate the rich tapestry of human history. We must have geographically literate students who are able to understand the world around them. Clearly, economic literacy is essential for the well-being of our students and nation. Civic literacy is essential for the sustaining of our democratic republic.

Social Studies Team

Robert Austin
Responsible Officer, Exchange Visitor Program
K-12 Social Studies, International Initiatives
Phone: (801) 538-7575 | E-mail(External Web Content)

Joanna Sorensen
Elementary Social Studies Specialist
Phone: (801) 538-7534 | E-mail(External Web Content)

Brenda McMurtrey
Executive Secretary
Phone: (801) 538-7891 | E-mail(External Web Content) 

Utah Core Standards

The Utah Standards for Social Studies reflect the content, concepts, and skills considered essential for all students.The newly revised secondary social studies standards were adopted in the December 2016 Utah State Board of Education (USBE) meeting.

Grades Pre-K Through 6

Utah Core Standards Elementary Social StudiesPassed December 2022 for implementation during the 2024-2025 school year.

Utah Social Studies K-6 Standards Implementation Timeline 2023 - 2025

 

Grades 7-12

Utah Core State Standards for Social Studies: Grades 7-12

Anthropology

While Anthropology is not a core requirement for High School graduation it is often taught as an elective course in Utah. Course outlines created by teachers will often refer to national standards.

Economics

While Economics is not a core requirement for High School graduation, it is often taught as an elective course in Utah. Course descriptions created by teachers will often follow national standards.

Psychology

While Psychology is not a core requirement for High School graduation it is often taught as an elective course in Utah. Course descriptions created by teachers will often follow national standards.

National Standards for High School Psychology Curricula(External Web Content) American Psychology Association

Sociology

While Sociology is not a core requirement for High School graduation it is often taught as an elective course in Utah. Course descriptions created by teachers will often follow national standards.

United States Government and Citizenship

Utah Core State Standards for Social Studies: United States Government and Citizenship

United States History I

Utah Core State Standards for Social Studies: United States History I

United States History II

Utah Core State Standards for Social Studies: United States History II

Utah Studies

Utah Core State Standards for Social Studies: Utah Studies

World Geography

Utah Core State Standards for Social Studies: World Geography

World History

Utah Core State Standards for Social Studies: World History

Note: If you need this information in an accessible format contact the department directly.

Social Studies Team

Robert Austin
Responsible Officer, Exchange Visitor Program
K-12 Social Studies, International Initiatives
Phone: (801) 538-7575 | E-mail(External Web Content)

Joanna Sorensen
Elementary Social Studies Specialist
Phone: (801) 538-7534 | E-mail(External Web Content)

Brenda McMurtrey
Executive Secretary
Phone: (801) 538-7891 | E-mail(External Web Content) 

Educator Endorsements

There are nine separate social studies endorsements. For information on endorsement options and requirements, please refer to the following: 

 
 

Online Endorsement Courses

The Utah State Board of Education, in partnership with Southern Utah University (SUU), offers a full slate of social studies endorsement courses designed to provide Utah educators with rigorous course content eligible for higher education credit, while allowing maximum flexibility for participants. Courses are offered three times a year: Fall, starting in September and ending in December; Spring, starting in January and ending in April, and Summer, starting in May and ending in August. These courses demand considerable work per week per course. Therefore, educators may only register for two courses per term. However, with careful planning, it should be possible to complete endorsement requirements in a timely manner.

Credit and Transcripts

These courses are eligible only for college credit through SUU. Upon course completion, the instructor will submit grades to SUU and credit will be recorded on an official transcript available for you to order. There is no requirement that participants be matriculated students at SUU. Any licensed Utah K-12 teacher can register; however, these courses are designed for teachers who are currently teaching and desiring to add to their licensed endorsements.

How to Register
Registration for these classes begins in MIDAS, USBE's Registration platform. After registering in Midas, we will send you an email with instructions for registering through SUU for credit. NOTE: Registration in Midas is a placeholder only; no credit will be issued in Midas. Credit is only available through SUU.

COURSE REGISTRATION LIMITS: These courses demand considerable work per week per course. Therefore, educators may only register for two courses per term. However, with careful planning, it should be possible to complete endorsement requirements in a timely manner.

 

Fall 2024 Semester

Registration: July 31 - August 28, 2024

Course Dates: September 12 - December 5, 2024

Course Offerings

  • Physical Geography - Midas 61422-3
  • Secondary Methods - Midas 61423-5
  • US History 1 - Midas 61424-3
  • Utah History - Midas 61427-3
  • World History 1 - Midas 61429-3

 

Spring 2025 Semester

Registration: November 20 - December 20, 2024

Course Dates: January 9 - April 2, 2025

Course Offerings

  • Economics 1 - Midas 61418-3
  • Intro to Sociology - Midas 63708-2
  • Introduction to Psychology - Midas 63445-2
  • S. History 2 - Midas 61425-3
  • World History 2 - Midas 61430-3

 

Summer 2025 Semester

Registration & Courses Dates - Please check back December 2024

Course Offerings

  • Economics 2 - Midas 61419-3
  • Historiography - Midas 61431-2
  • Human Geography - Midas 61421-3
  • Secondary Methods - Midas 61423-6
  • Utah Geography - Midas 61426-2

Social Studies Team

Robert Austin
Responsible Officer, Exchange Visitor Program
K-12 Social Studies, International Initiatives
Phone: (801) 538-7575 | E-mail(External Web Content)

Joanna Sorensen
Elementary Social Studies Specialist
Phone: (801) 538-7534 | E-mail(External Web Content)

Brenda McMurtrey
Executive Secretary
Phone: (801) 538-7891 | E-mail(External Web Content) 

Programs

Capitol Field Trips

Dear Administrators and Educators,

The Capitol Preservation Board is thrilled to share good news about ongoing legislative transportation funding for tours.

Educators may bring students to the Capitol during the legislative session, or anytime during the school year to join in a docent led tour, or a self-guided tour and request for reimbursement of transportation costs. Requests for reimbursement can be submitted to the Capitol Preservation Board.

Field Trip Funding
(External Web Content)To submit a request. Requests will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Schedule a Tour(External Web Content)
Guided, self-guided, and virtual tour options available.

United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP)

Program Overview

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is an amazing opportunity for motivated student leaders to have direct contact with the highest-level elected and appointed officials in the nation. Sponsored by the Senate and funded and administered by The Hearst Foundations since 1962, the USSYP mission is to encourage the best and brightest students in America's high schools to pursue careers in public service.

The Hearst Foundation's United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) 63rd Annual Washington Week will be held in Washington, D.C. March 1-8, 2024.

Two student leaders from each state will spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundations. In addition, each delegate will also be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.

High school juniors and seniors may qualify to apply through leadership positions they currently hold per the USSYP official criteria for the current 2023-2024 academic year. All student leadership qualifying positions are subject to the judgement of the state selection administrator and will be verified and confirmed.

To apply, students must be nominated by their school. Interested students should contact their school counselor or school administrator directly. Each Utah high school is invited and encouraged to nominate two exceptional high school juniors or seniors serving in an elected or appointed position with a strong interest in government and history. We will accept JROTC students who hold officer-level leadership positions within their cadet corps for the entire academic year as qualified to apply to the USSYP. These leadership positions, often called Cadet Corps Commanders, will be allowed as qualifying leadership positions for USSYP. Serving as a general JROTC cadet alone will NOT qualify.

Schools must have their nominations submitted to the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) by 5 p.m., Friday, September 13, 2024.

IMPORTANT DATES

Thursday, August 8, 2024

School nominations will now be accepted

Friday, September 13, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m.
School nominations due to the USBE (two per school)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Nominated students will receive an email from USBE with further instructions for applying. Note: We will no longer require a portfolio.

Friday, September 27, 2024
Time: 11:59 p.m.
Student applications due to USBE

Thursday, October 24, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Student nominees will meet with judges to vie for a $10,000 scholarship and an invitation to participate in Washington Week

Saturday, March 1, 2025 – Saturday, March 8, 2025
Washington Week!

Helpful Resources

Previous Years

2021-2022
2022-2023
2023-2024

For a link to the school nominee submission form, or for additional questions or information school representatives should contact Brenda McMurtrey at brenda.mcmurtrey@schools.utah.gov(External Web Content).

Social Studies Team

Robert Austin
Responsible Officer, Exchange Visitor Program
K-12 Social Studies, International Initiatives
Phone: (801) 538-7575 | E-mail(External Web Content)

Joanna Sorensen
Elementary Social Studies Specialist
Phone: (801) 538-7534 | E-mail(External Web Content)

Brenda McMurtrey
Executive Secretary
Phone: (801) 538-7891 | E-mail(External Web Content) 

 

Meetings

Social Studies Leadership Meetings 2024-2025

Meetings will be held from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

    • Wednesday, September 18, 2024
    • Wednesday, November 20, 2024
    • Wednesday, January 15, 2025
    • Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Social Studies Team

Robert Austin
Responsible Officer, Exchange Visitor Program
K-12 Social Studies, International Initiatives
Phone: (801) 538-7575 | E-mail(External Web Content)

Joanna Sorensen
Elementary Social Studies Specialist
Phone: (801) 538-7534 | E-mail(External Web Content)

Brenda McMurtrey
Executive Secretary
Phone: (801) 538-7891 | E-mail(External Web Content) 

 

Resources

Utah Educational Network (UEN)(External Web Content)

Online Endorsement Courses

The Utah State Board of Education, in partnership with the Utah Education Network (UEN), offers a full slate of social studies endorsement courses designed to provide Utah educators with rigorous course content eligible for higher education credit, while allowing maximum flexibility for participants.

Online Social Studies Endorsement Course Schedule(External Web Content)

These courses demand considerable work per week per course. Therefore, educators may only register for two courses per term. However, with careful planning, it should be possible to complete endorsement requirements in a timely manner.

Civics Assessment Graduation Requirement

In 2015 the Utah Legislature passed the American Civics Education Initiative, which requires the successful passage of a basic civics test as a condition of graduation. Below is a link to frequently asked questions, sample assessments, and additional supports, including a resource that shows how teachers can raise the cognitive rigor of the assessment content in their classroom.

American Civics Education Initiative(External Web Content)
Utah Education Network (UEN)

E-mail List

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE), in collaboration with the Utah Education Network (UEN), has created a Social Studies Teacher ListServ for all social studies professionals across the state. Subscribe to stay up to date on social studies resources and professional learning opportunities.

Social Studies Team

Robert Austin
Responsible Officer, Exchange Visitor Program
K-12 Social Studies, International Initiatives
Phone: (801) 538-7575 | E-mail(External Web Content)

Joanna Sorensen
Elementary Social Studies Specialist
Phone: (801) 538-7534 | E-mail(External Web Content)

Brenda McMurtrey
Executive Secretary
Phone: (801) 538-7891 | E-mail(External Web Content)