Social studies is a part of the Instructional Services section at the Alabama State Department of Education. Instructional Services is responsible for providing support to teachers and schools throughout the state in the implementation of the Social Studies Course of Study. We provide social studies-based professional learning and resources that align to the curriculum to help Local Education Agencies make research-informed decisions.
A vibrant social studies program represents an expansive range of content and knowledge. Together this content and curriculum serve the vital task of preparing students to think critically and actively engage in American democracy.
State Initiatives
Civics Test SB32, Alabama Code Title 16. Education § 16-40-10
- Beginning in the 2018-2019 school year, as a required component for completing the government course required in the high school course of study, a student shall correctly answer at least 60 of the 100 questions listed on a civics test, which shall be made available in multiple choice format. For the purposes of this section, civics test means the 100 questions that, as of February 1, 2017, officers of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services use as the basis for selecting the questions posed on applications for naturalization. The civics test shall be completed as part of a required course in government. The school shall document on the transcript of the student that he or she has successfully completed the civics test as required by this subsection.
- The local board of education may determine the method and manner in which to administer the civics test to students. A student who does not obtain a passing score on the civics test may retake the test until he or she obtains a passing score.
- A special education student who is at least 18 years of age is not required to achieve a passing score on the civics test in order to graduate from high school unless he or she is learning at a level appropriate for his or her grade level in a specific academic area and unless a passing score on the civics test is specifically required in a specific academic area by the individualized education program of the student.
- The enforcement of this section shall comply with Section 16-1-11.1.
- The requirements of this section may be waived by the chief school administrator for good cause for any student in the graduating class. Having taken and failed the civics test two times and otherwise having a passing grade in the course in government shall be considered good cause.
Content Area Resources
Newsletter Information
Visit the Alabama Social Studies Chronicle Archives
for past issues of the monthly newsletter. Complete this Social Studies Teacher sign up form to begin receiving the monthly newsletter, the Alabama Social Studies Chronicle
Schoology Group Information:
Join Alabama Social Studies group on Schoology [this group contains links, resources, and updates on all Alabama social studies courses]