These define what the competent social science teacher in Illinois understands and is able to do. Questions on the teacher certification test will be based on these standards.
The common core of Social Science Standards on which the state certification test is based are found at the following web site: Social Science Core >>
Social Science Standard 6*
The competent social science teacher understands the principles of constitutional government in Illinois.
Indicators - The competent social science teacher:
6A. understands the historical development of Illinois constitutional government.
6D. analyzes the fundamental principles (e.g., separation of powers, checks and balances, individual rights, and federalism) that led to the development of democratic government in Illinois.
Social Science Standard 8
The competent social science teacher understands the rule of law and the rights and responsibilities of individual citizens in a democratic society, with an emphasis on the United States and Illinois.
Indicators - The competent social science teacher:
8A. understands the sources, purposes, and functions of law (e.g., basic legal rights and responsibilities).
8D. understands the role of responsible citizenship.
8E. evaluates the rights and responsibilities of the individual in relation to his or her family, social groups, community, and nation.
8G. examines the implications of responsible citizenship (e.g., decision-making, volunteerism, and voting).
Social Science Standard 18
The competent social science teacher understands major political developments and compares patterns of continuity and change in the State of Illinois.
Indicators - The competent social science teacher:
18C. understands the development of political institutions in Illinois.
18G. describes the development of government in Illinois.
Social Science Standard 19
The competent social science teacher understands major social and cultural developments and compares patterns of continuity and change in the State of Illinois.
Indicators - The competent social science teacher:
19B. understands the importance of family and local history and their relation to the larger context of American development.
19D. analyzes migration patterns and movement of people to and within Illinois.
Social Science Standard 20
The competent social science teacher understands the major scientific, geographic, and economic developments and compares patterns of continuity and change in the State of Illinois.
Indicators - The competent social science teacher:
20A. understands the development of the Illinois economy, including the agricultural, industrial, and service sectors.
20B. understands the relationship between geography and economic developments.
20C. describes the impact of technological change and urbanization in Illinois.
20D. describes the changing role of labor in Illinois.
20E. describes the development and impact of capitalism in Illinois.
History Standard 6*
The competent history teacher understands major trends, key turning points, and the roles of influential individuals and groups in the State of Illinois from the colonial era to the present.
Indicators - The competent history teacher:
6A. understands the evolution of political ideas, institutions, and practices and their role in Illinois.
6B. understands the influence of geography, technology, agriculture, urbanization, industry, and labor on the development of the Illinois economy.
6C. understands the effects of migration of people and cultures and several religious traditions that have shaped Illinois.
6D. understands the roles of family and local history in their relation to the larger context of U.S. and global history.
6E. describes the development of political ideas, institutions, and practices in Illinois.
6F. traces development of the Illinois economy.
6G. assesses the impact of cultural migration and religious traditions on Illinois.
6H. relates Illinois family and local history to U.S. and world history.
*You will notice quite a bit of similarity between the social science and history standards and indicators. This is due to the fact that Illinois history and government are assessed in both parts of the certification test.