Social Studies

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 

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 in the Past - so you do not have to search

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 Download 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

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

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 Civics test is an assessment that became a high school graduation requirement by our state legislature beginning in the 2016-2017 school year. 

The DVUSD Assessment work team and District Administration determined that in 8th grade, all students will be given the Civics Test in School City. In 11th & 12th grade, students who must pass for graduation will be tested once in 11th grade and as many times as needed until passing in 12th grade.  

8th Grade Goal: Tests are available for the teacher to assign monthly. Every 8th-grade student will be tested during the year (unless they take an alternative state test) and get 90% of your school to pass.

High School Goal: Tests are available for the teacher to assign monthly. We test all 11th-grade students once and 12th grade as often as needed.

• Students test in person using a district device with a lock-down browser

  • Students should be in a quiet & secure testing setting with no materials in front of them or talking near them. This should follow the exact requirements of state testing.

  • For 12th Grade - Passing is 60% or higher until May 2026, when it changes to 70%

  • For 8th grade - 11th Grade - Passing is 70%

• One day will be dedicated in the Fall for 11th—and 12th-grade students to take the Civics assessment. Schools will individually decide how to best test their population.
  • Students receiving special education services are not required to pass for graduation unless it is specifically written in their IEP. 
  • Students who are signed out from their IEP must now pass the Civics test.
• Additional dates for testing are to be decided on by HS Department Chair & School Administration
• State Testing expectations & testing environments are used.
  • Students must complete the test during ONE session
    • Some General Accommodations include:
      • Extended Testing time w/ quick breaks
      • Access to a Translation Dictionary if requested or use the online translations available
      • Using 504 accommodations, same as state testing

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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 opened them as games and study cards for anyone! Your teachers may use this in class, but for individual use ---Go to this link on your mobile device --- Hit Start --- choose Flashcards for fun flip cards, or choose Practice studying at your own pace.

• 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 2023

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 during grades 9-12. 

• Students must complete all social studies courses with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 out of a 4.0 scale. Verification Form, signed by counselor of grade on AP exam and other coursework for eligibility 

• Students must pass the Arizona State Civics Exam. (Graduating class of 2026 will need a passing score of 70% or better) Verification Form, signed by their counselor.

• Students must complete activities from each of the four categories. 

  • Category 1 - Civic Learning Program - Three Civic Learning Programs

  • Category 2 - Civic Engagement Activities - 2 Civic Engagement Programs

  • Category 3 - Service Learning and Community Service Activities  - Complete 30 hours - 10 civic-focused hours

  • Category 4 - Written Reflection of Program - Submit a written reflection following the guidelines developed by DVUSD Prompt & Rubric

• 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, 2025. Notification will happen by May 1st, 2025.

STEP 1:

Download the Seal of Civic Literacy Packet & Guidance for the 2024-2025 Graduation Year

STEP 2:

Submit your Completed Application below on the DVUSD Google Form by April 1st, 2025

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2024 - 2025 Timeline

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

August 26th, 2024: Application Packet 24/25  is available

Sept 24 - Feb 25: Time for Students to Work & Get Verification for their Packet

March 2025: Working w/ Mentor Teacher for help

April 1st, 2025: Last Day to Submit Seal of Civics Application

May 1st, 2025: Start of Notifications if receiving 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 Civics Literacy: 

• 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 out of a 4.0 scale. 

• Students must complete 1 activity from each of the four categories. 

  • Category 1: Completion of an approved personal finance program (Curriculum) 
  • Category 2: Participation in a co-curricular or extracurricular program (Outside of School) 
  • Category 3: Completion of a college and/or career readiness (Readiness Plan and Written Reflection) 
  • Category 4: Passage of an assessment of personal finance (Test) 

•  Select a mentor teacher to assist you through this process. Materials must be submitted by the individual student in the Google Form below to the District by April 1st, 2025. Notification will happen by May 1st, 2025

STEP 1:

Download the Seal of Personal Finance Packet & Guidance for the 2024-2025 Graduation Year

STEP 2:

Submit your Completed Application below on the DVUSD Google Form by April 1st, 2025

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2024 - 2025 Timeline

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

September 14th, 2024: Application Packet 24/25 is available

Sept 24 - Feb 25: Time for Students to Work & Get Verification to complete their Packet

March 2025: Working w/ Mentor Teacher for help

April 1st, 2025: Last Day to Submit Seal of Civics Application

May 1st, 2025: Start of Notifications of receiving a Seal of Personal Finance

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.