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RCW 28A.230.090 authorizes SBE to establish some of the state's graduation requirements. SBE has established essential credit requirements, a culminating project, and a high school and beyond plan (WAC 180-51-061, WAC 180-51-066, and WAC 180-51-067). For a recent webinar on social studies graduation requirements, please see the video.

Social Studies - 6. Can civics be embedded in a Career and Technical Education course?

Generally, no. The only exception the law makes for embedding civics is in social studies dual credit courses: “civics content and instruction required by this section may be embedded in social studies courses that offer students the opportunity to earn both high school and postsecondary credit.” (RCW 28A.230.094). 

Social Studies - 5. Can the civics content be embedded in another course?

A “stand-alone” civics course means that the civics content may not be embedded in another course, and that the course should be transcribed as “Civics” on students’ transcripts. However, the law makes an exception for dual credit courses: “civics content and instruction required by this section may be embedded in social studies courses that offer students the opportunity to earn both high school and postsecondary credit.” (RCW 28A.230.094).

Social Studies - 3. When does the new requirement that civics must be a “stand-alone” course take effect?

State law requires that “beginning with or before 2020-2021, each school district that operates a high school must provide a mandatory one-half credit stand-alone course in civics for each high school student.” (RCW 28A.230.094). State Board of Education rules clarify that the new requirement will apply to incoming ninth graders in the 2020-2021 school year, or the Class of 2024 (WAC 180-51-210). 

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