Social Studies

Civics Study Materials

USCIS Civics Practice Test Link

https://my.uscis.gov/prep/test/civics

USCIS Civics Study For the Test

https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources/study-for-the-test

KAHOOT Quizzes for review and Practice

I created these as 10-question quick breakdowns and made them available as games and study cards for anyone. Your teachers may use this in class, but for individual use ---

For Student FLASH CARDS: Go to this link on your mobile device --- Hit Start --- Choose Student - Put Age - Play Solo - FLASHCARDS

• DVUSD Civics Practice #1 
• DVUSD Civics Practice #2 
• DVUSD Civics Practice #3 
• DVUSD Civics Practice #4 
• DVUSD Civics Practice #5 
• DVUSD Civics Practice #6 
• DVUSD Civics Practice #7 
• DVUSD Civics Practice #8
• DVUSD  Civics Practice #9  - Updated January 2025

District Information & Expectations:

The Civics test is an assessment that became a high school graduation requirement in our state legislature, beginning with the 2016-2017 school year. Was updated for the 2026 graduation class.

District Information & Expectations

The Civics test serves as a high school graduation requirement mandated by the state legislature. This assessment began with the 2016-2017 school year and was updated for the 2026 graduation class. The DVUSD Assessment work team and District Administration determined specific testing protocols for 8th grade and high school levels. We use School City for all assessments.

8th Grade Goal & Expectations

Tests are available for teachers to assign. The 8th Grade Social Studies teacher is to administer the test once to every student on their Social Studies roster. This expectation applies to incoming students joining the class during the year. DVUSD aims for 90% or more of our students to take the test and 90% or better passing rate.

• Passing Score: A passing grade stands at 70%.

• Participation: We test all students to ensure that an attempt is made.

• Inclusion: This includes students with an IEP, 504, or GEIT. These students receive the same accommodations provided during state testing.

• Exceptions: Students with an IEP are not automatically exempt. Unless testing acts against a student's best interest or the student takes an alternative state assessment, please administer the test to all students.

High School Goal & Expectations

Tests are available for teachers to assign on a monthly basis. HS Department Chairs and Assistant Principals schedule a day, notify students and parents, provide review links, and administer tests in a secure environment.

• 11th Grade: Administer a test to all students who have not already passed.

• 12th Grade: Administer tests to students who need to pass as often as necessary, on a monthly basis.

• Passing Score: 70% beginning with the graduating class of 2026.

• Inclusion: This includes anyone with an IEP, 504 plan, or GEIT. All receive standard state testing accommodations.

Testing Environment

Students test in person using a district device with a lockdown browser. Teachers and staff must maintain a quiet and secure testing environment, with no materials or talking allowed. Adhere strictly to state testing requirements.

• Timing: Students must complete the test during ONE seated session; however, time is unlimited.

• Fall Testing: One day is dedicated in the Fall for 11th and 12th-grade students to take the assessment. Schools individually determine the best approach for their population.

• Additional Dates: HS Department Chair and School Administration decide on extra testing dates.

Accommodations & Special Education

Students receiving special education services are not required to pass for graduation unless specifically written in the IEP. However, students who signed out of an IEP must pass the Civics test to graduate.

IEP Pro Form F It is best practice for all students with IEPs to have Form F addressed. This offers two options:

1. The student is required to take the test, but not required to pass.

2. The student is required to take and pass the test.

General Accommodations

• Extended testing time with quick breaks.

• Access to a Translation Dictionary, if requested, or use online translations available.

• Using 504 accommodations to match state testing protocols.

Data & Reporting

Our data team extracts information from student records to identify those required to pass the Civics test. Once identified, the team compiles a list for schools to conduct testing.

• Updates: Data is updated monthly and can be found in the portal under Social Studies and Civics Data.

• Notification: Schools receive notifications and lists of students monthly who need to pass to graduate.

• Transcripts: Registrars review transcripts for incoming students; this information is entered in PowerSchool.

Logistics for Specific Groups

• Aspire Full Time: Students test in person by appointment with a counselor or office assistant.

• Virtual Students: Counselors and teachers work to schedule times for students to come into the school building and take tests in a separate area.

• Exchange Students: Students receiving a graduation diploma from DVUSD or any AZ school must pass. Exchange students are not obligated to take or pass the test.

What is the Seal of Civic Literacy?

This program recognizes high school students who have attained a high level of proficiency in Civics at the time of graduation. The completion of a set of Arizona State Board of Education Approved Tasks determines proficiency. A seal is placed on the diploma and noted on the transcript up to 90 days after graduation.  Below is the documentation required to earn this seal.

Eligibility for the State Seal of Civics Literacy: 

• Students must complete all requirements below during grades 9-12. 
  • Counselor Sign Off 
    • Students must complete all social studies courses with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Verification Form, signed by the counselor of the grade, on AP exam and other coursework for eligibility 
    • Students must pass the Arizona State Civics Exam. 
  • Category 1 - Complete THREE Civic Learning Programs 
  • Category 2 - Complete 30 Hours of Civic Engagement Activities 
  • Category 3 - Complete Written Reflection of Program

     

• Select a mentor teacher to assist you through this process. Materials must be submitted fully by the individual student in the Google Form below to the District by April 1st, 2026. Notification will happen by May 1st, 2026.

STEP 1:

Download the Seal of Civic Literacy Packet & Guidance

STEP 2:

Submit your Completed Application below on the DVUSD Google Form by the due date shown

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2025 - 2026 Timeline

August 1st, 8 am: District Notice to the ADE - Intent to Participate

August 25th: Application Packet 25/26 is available

Aug 25 - Feb 25: Time for Students to Work & Get Verification for their Packet

March 2026: Working w/ Mentor Teacher for help

April 1st, 2026: Last Day to Submit Seal of Civics Application online to DVUSD

May 1st, 2026: Start of Notifications if receiving the Seal of Civic Literacy

What is the Seal of Personal Finance?

The Arizona Seal of Personal Finance program recognizes high school students who achieve a high level of proficiency in Personal Finance.
The seal is placed upon the student's diploma and noted on their transcript. The completion of a set of Arizona State Board Of Education Criteria determines proficiency. A seal is placed on the diploma and noted on the transcript up to 90 days after graduation.  Below is the documentation required to earn this seal.

Eligibility for the State Seal of Personal Finance: 

• Students must complete all requirements during grades 9-12. Previous experience will not be counted. 
• Students must complete all social studies courses with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. 

• Students must complete 1 activity from each of the four categories. You may select a mentor teacher to assist you through this process.

  • Category 1: Completion of an approved personal finance program (Learning) 
  • Category 2: Participation in a co-curricular or extracurricular program (Outside of School) 
  • Category 3: Completion of a college and/or career readiness plan
  • Category 4: Passage of an assessment of personal finance (Proof of Proficiency)

     

• Materials must be submitted by the individual student in the Google Form below to the District by April 1st, 2026. Notification will happen by May 1st, 2026

STEP 1:

Download the Seal of Personal Finance Packet & Guidance

STEP 2:

Submit your Completed Application below on the DVUSD Google Form by April 1st, 2026

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2025 - 2026 Timeline

August 1st, 8 am: District Notice to the ADE - Intent to Participate

August 25th: Application Packet 25/26 is available

Aug 25 - Feb 25: Time for Students to Work & Get Verification for their Packet

March 2026: Working w/ Mentor Teacher for help

April 1st, 2026: Last Day to Submit Seal of Civics Application online to DVUSD

May 1st, 2026: Start of Notifications if receiving the Seal of Personal Finance

Sandra Day O’Connor Civics Celebration September 25th

• September 25, each year, shall be observed as Sandra Day O'Connor Civics Celebration Day. On This Day, each public school in this state shall dedicate the majority of the school day to civics education.

  • If Sandra Day O'Connor Civics Celebration Day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or another day when a public school is not in session, the preceding or following school day shall be observed in the public school as a holiday.

Tribute Video to Justice O'Connor from Seneca Women on Vimeo.

• Arizona Department of Education - Suggested Materials

  • Sandra Day O'Connor Biography

  • Timeline Infographic Templates

  • Sandra Day O'Connor Institute for American Democracy

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Suggested Grade Level Lessons Shared Out

Specific Lessons K-2

Kindergarten - In Canvas: EconoEdLink Communities & What They Provide for Us

1st Grade - In Canvas: History’s Mysteries: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CITIZEN?

2nd Grade - In Canvas: Sandra Day O’Connor Day: DAZL-Britannica Library Children (zip 85027) Sandra Day O'Connor Link

Specific Lessons 3-5

3rd Grade - In Canvas: Sandra Day O'Connor Day (9/25): KidCitizen - Welcome to Congress

4th Grade - In Canvas: Center for Civics Education - Foundations of Democracy, Upper Elementary

• Mr. Madison Needs Some Help (pdf)

 5th Grade - How Did the Constitution Create Compromise? - Mystery 3 Which of the Anti-Federalist Ideas Is the Most Persuasive?

Specific Lessons 6-8

6th Grade -  iCivics: Limiting Government & Kahoot

7th Grade - iCivics: Who Rules? & Kahoot

8th Grade -  iCivics: Why Government & Kahoot or The Road to Civil Rights & Kahoot

Specific Lessons HS

• World History - Comparison of civilization being taught with U.S.—sim. and diff of civic principles; Enlightenment ideals in the governments, the impact of slavery on enlightened ideals.

  • iCivics: Bill of Rights No Big Deal

• American History

• iCivics - America’s Founding Preambles (9-12 version)

• SHEG: Declaration of Independence, Federalists, and Anti-Federalists

• Government/Civics

  • iCivics: Constitutional Influencers

• Economics

  • EconEdLink: The Mystery of the Voters Who Don’t Vote, Unemployment and the New Deal, Campaign Finance, The Economics of Voting

On 9/11 education day, each public school in this state shall dedicate a portion of the school day to age-appropriate education on the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The state board of education may develop policies or adopt rules to carry out this section.

If 9/11 Education Day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or other day when a public school is not in session, the preceding or following school day shall be observed in the public school as the holiday.

Arizona Department of Education Suggested 9/11 Resources - ADE does not endorse or support any particular resource or curriculum. The following links are to resource options that local education agencies may choose and select from when making the best decisions for their students

September 11, 2001, Documentary Project, Available Online | Library of Congress (loc.gov)

Lesson Plans | National September 11 Memorial & Museum (911memorial.org)

Remembering 9/11, 20 years later Collection | Our Voices | Arizona PBS (azpbs.org)

Oral Histories | National September 11 Memorial & Museum (911memorial.org)

9/11 and the Constitution - civiced.org

About this Collection | September 11, 2001, Documentary Project | Digital Collections | Library of Congress (loc.gov)

Education - Flight 93 National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Bringing 9/11 in the Classroom—Useful Lessons | Learning for Justice

The Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq: Teaching Resources and Essential Questions - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

­Remembering 9/11, 20 years later Collection | Our Voices | Arizona PBS (azpbs.org)

Oral Histories | National September 11 Memorial & Museum (911memorial.org)

Choices Program | Oral History and September 11 - Choices Program

Lesson Plans | National September 11 Memorial & Museum (911memorial.org)

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Suggested Grade Level Lessons Shared in the Past - so you do not have to search

Kinder - 2nd

Kinder - Book Read: The Little Chapel That Stood - This beautifully illustrated book tells of the historic chapel less than 100 yards from the Twin Towers that miraculously survived on 9-11. Firemen hung their shoes on the fence and raced to help the people in the towers: Oh what gallant men did we lose/Who never came back to get their shoes. The story of terror overcome by courage and bravery teaches us that no one is too small to make a difference. The Little Chapel That Stood Read Aloud  OR The Survivor Tree - The Survivor Tree Book Reading

1st Grade - Book Read: September Roses - On September 11, 2001, two sisters from South Africa are flying to New York City with 2,400 roses to be displayed at a flower show. As their plane approaches the airport, a cloud of black smoke billows over the Manhattan skyline. When they land, they learn of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. All flights are canceled; the sisters cannot go home, and they are stranded with boxes and boxes of roses. In the days that followed September 11, Jeanette Winter was drawn to Union Square and saw, among the hundreds of memorial offerings, twin towers made of roses. In the pages of this small and vibrant book, she tells a moving story.

2nd Grade  Book Read: 14 Cows For America - This New York Times Bestseller, from award-winning author Carmen Agra Deedy, is a true story of hope and generosity and the gift a small Kenyan village makes to the people of America. Grades 2 and above.

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3rd - 5th

3rd Grade - Read Fireboat - The Story of the John J. Harvey - The John J. Harvey fireboat was the largest, fastest, shiniest fireboat of its time, but by 1995, the city didn’t need old fireboats anymore. So Harvey retired until a group of friends decided to save it from the scrap heap. Then, one sunny September day in 2001, something so horrible happened that the whole world shook. And a call came from the fire department, asking if the Harvey could battle the roaring flames. In this inspiring true story, Maira Kalman brings a New York City icon to life and proves that old heroes never die.

4th Grade - Memorializing 9/11 -  Paying tributes to the attacks

5th Grade - History of the World Trade Center -  The Changing Face of Lower Manhattan

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6th - 8th - REQUIRED

6th Grade - Repercussions of 9/11 | American Anxiety After 9/11

7th Grade  - Memorializing 9/11 - Moving Forward After Tragedy

8th Grade -  9/11 — Ways to reflect on the day’s legacy after two decades

This lesson is from PBS Newshour classroom and contains many options to choose how to reflect with your students. Teachers know the level of maturity of their students for the year, so please preview the videos & topics for your and your students' level of comfort in discussions.

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High School - REQUIRED

Repercussions of 9/11 - Counterterrorism after 9/11

Repercussions of 9/11 - The International Fight Against Terrorism

Memorializing 9/11 - Architecture of Remembrance

Repercussions of 9/11 - Balancing National Security and Civil Liberties

Repercussions of 9/11 - The Evolving Threat of Terrorism

Antecedents of 9/11 - Warning Signs of an Attack

The Academy is a 4-year program that focuses on civic engagement and college readiness through a variety of courses, guest speakers, field trips, and interactive learning. Students who are accepted into the Academy automatically become part of the Advanced Academics program, which includes Honors/Pre-AP/AP courses.

Learn more about the Academy of Civic Engagement & Advanced Studies, available at Sandra Day O'Connor High School.

Expectations for teachers:

• The District Curriculum Guide and state standards are aligned with units to help plan, focus, and timeline of skills and content with the board-adopted curriculum.
• Teachers will follow the Pacing Guide & use the adopted materials in instruction. Some curated items are provided and linked in the curriculum guides.
• Resources are curated specifically for the standards and approved by the district. Outside materials should not be utilized but can be submitted for curation.
• Curriculum guides have materials and features that are also public-facing. They show the public district-approved text and supplemental source materials so they can preview beforehand. This includes websites, videos, and primary and secondary source text.
• Daily Pledge of Allegiance and a Moment of Silence + Declaration of Independence.
  • Please introduce the Excerpt from the Declaration of Independence and Preamble to the Constitution to students starting in 4th grade during the year.
  • This is done during the 1st hour, during school announcements, or the day.
    • Pledge of Allegiance, Excerpt from the Declaration of Independence, Preamble to the Constitution, and a Moment of Silence.

Access to McGraw Hill Textbooks for Teachers & Students: start.dvusd.org

DVSS - 30 Minutes Lesson Plan Guidance K - 3rd Grade |  DVSS - 45 Minutes Lesson Plan Guidance 4th - 8th Grade   |   DVSS - 55 Minutes Lesson Plan Guidance HS 

DVUSD Kindergarten Curriculum Guide 

• Adopted Textbook - McGraw Hill - Arizona: Grade K - Learning and Working Together

 

DVUSD 1st Grade Curriculum Guide 

• Adopted Textbook - McGraw Hill - Arizona: Grade 1 - Our Place in the World

 

DVUSD 2nd Grade Curriculum Guide 

• Adopted Textbook - McGraw Hill - Arizona: Grade 2: Exploring Who We Are

 

DVUSD 3rd Grade Curriculum Guide

• Adopted Textbook - McGraw Hill - Arizona: Grade 3 - Our Communities

 

DVUSD 4th Grade Curriculum Guide

• Adopted Textbook - McGraw Hill - Arizona: Grade 4 - U.S. History Making a New Nation (Chapters 1 - 4 only)

 

DVUSD 5th Grade Curriculum Guide

• Adopted Textbook - McGraw Hill - Discovering Our Past: United States Studies - Arizona Edition

 

DVUSD 6th Grade Curriculum Guide

• Adopted Textbook - McGraw Hill - MS World History Voices & Perspectives

 

DVUSD 7th Grade Curriculum Guide

• Adopted Textbook - McGraw Hill - Integrated Global Studies - Arizona Edition

 

DVUSD 8th Grade Curriculum Guide

• Adopted Textbook - McGraw Hill - MS Exploring Civics & Economics

DVUSD World History & World History Honors/IB Curriculum Guide  counts toward 1 credit of World History & geography

• Adopted Textbook - General/Honors/IB - McGraw Hill: HS World History
• Adopted Textbook - AP World History - McGraw Hill: Bentley, Traditions & Encounters: A Global Perspective on the Past AP 7th Edition 

DVUSD United States History & Honors/IB Curriculum Guide counts as 1 credit of American/Arizona History 

• Adopted Textbook - General/Honors/IB - McGraw Hill: HS United States History
• Adopted Textbook - AP United States History - McGraw Hill: Brinkley, American History: Connecting with the Past, AP 16th Edition 2023

 

DVUSD Government Curriculum Guide counts as .5 credit of American/Arizona Government 

• Adopted Textbook - General/Honors/IB - McGraw Hill: HS United States Government & Civics
• Adopted Textbook - AP Government & Politics - McGraw Hill: Harrison, American Democracy Now, AP 7th edition

 

DVUSD Economics Curriculum Guide counts as .5 credit of Economics

• Adopted Textbook - General/Honors/IB - McGraw Hill: HS Economics
• Adopted Textbook - AP Economics - McGraw Hill: McConnell AP Economics 22e 2021