Social Studies is an office within OSPI that provides technical assistance for the learning standards and oversees the testing of the standards required by Washington’s legislature.

Learning Standards
The Social Studies Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) and Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) describe what students should know and be able to do in civics, economics, geography, history and social studies skills.

Assessment
The Classroom-Based Assessments are the state assessment models designed to help schools and districts determine whether students have met the social studies learning standards.

Laws and Regulations
The WACs and RCWs that outline Social Studies education requirements in our state.

Social Studies in Washington State
Social Studies helps students become responsible citizens in a culturally diverse, democratic society within an interdependent world. Through the exploration of history, geography, economics, and civics, students learn about the people, places, issues, eras, and events near that shape our world.