Social Studies High School Learning Objectives

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At the high school level students engage in six core content areas including behavioral sciences, civics and government, economics and financial literacy, geography, U.S. history, and world history. By studying these core content areas from both a historical and sociological perspective, students gain a better understanding of themselves and how they fit into the greater world.

Over the course of their high school studies, students will develop a stronger understanding of the psychological, sociological, historical, economic, and financial results of social relationships and functions throughout the world.

Examples of Your Child’s Work at School

  • Behavioral Sciences: Encourages students to see, think, and act in ways that reflect the paradigm of behavioral scientists with an emphasis on psychology and sociology.

  • Civics and Government: Promotes knowledge of the historical foundations and principles of American democracy and productive civic engagement.

  • Economics: Promotes the concepts and tools necessary for economic decision making to understand the interaction between buyers and sellers in markets, workings of the national economy, and interactions with the global marketplace.

  • Financial Literacy: Promotes the goal of financial capability including setting goals, saving, and spending.

Source: Iowa Core Parent Guides from the Iowa Department of Education.
Read the Iowa Core Parent Guide (English) and Iowa Core Parent Guide (Spanish).
Read the complete standards on the Iowa Core website.