Social Studies and the TASC

The Common Core State Standards are for ELA and Math - there are no Common Core Social Studies Standards. The TASC social studies content was developed by analyzing standards and key concepts emphasized by the several national resources and organizations. Click here for links to those resources/organizations. 

Content Areas

Similar to the science section, students will be required to have actual background knowledge going into the test. This is a big shift from the 2002 G.E.D. where the social studies and science sections are essentially reading comprehension within those content areas. On the TASC, some of the questions will require students to bring an involved understanding of historical references, contexts, perspectives etc.  Click on the domain areas below for more information.

These emphases may give teachers an idea of what they can focus on.

For all of the Social Studies content emphases in one printable document, click  here

Thinking Like a Historian

Best Teaching Practices

Teaching Resources

• Teaching with Documents: Document Based Question / Constructed Response Question

• Teaching Channel Social Science Videos - A growing collection of videos made by social studies teachers, which demonstrate Common Core teaching practices and content being used with real students.

• Tasks, Units and Student Work - NYC educators and national experts are developing Common Core-aligned tasks embedded in a unit of study. Educators can choose to adopt these resources in their entirety or adapt the materials to best address students’ diverse needs.  Search a growing assortment of Common Core-aligned tasks, units and student work by keyword, grade level, subject area and Common Core Learning Standard. 

• Teaching Resources for US History

• Teaching Resources for Civics and Government 

• Teaching Resources for Geography

• Teaching Resources for Economics 

• Using Mathematical Open Ended Activities with Graphs and Charts to Develop Background Knowledge 
  

• Recommended Video Resources for Students to Develop Their Background Knowledge (COMING SOON)

Common Core Frameworks for Social Studies

• New York State Common Core K-8 Social Studies Framework

• New York State Common Core 9-12 Social Studies Framework