Coverage by content domain
Lessons and questions are organized around the exam’s content areas so your preparation reflects the structure of the assessment.
Why Test Alignment Matters for Your NES Social Science Study Guide
Certification test standards are broad, but the exam questions are very specific. Our team of curriculum experts uses the 240 Study Guide Creation Process to ensure the most aligned, specific content for your NES Social Science (303) test — so you are not wasting time on broad subject review that may not show up on exam day.
Why 240 is the best choice for the NES 303 study guide
- Built around the official exam framework
- Organized by the competencies actually used on the exam
- Shows exactly what is covered and where depth is partial
- Includes aligned questions, flashcards, study materials, and videos
- Helps candidates study what is actually tested instead of broad generic content
Transparent coverage is a strength. We show where the guide is strong, where depth is partial, and where a gap has been identified so you can make an informed study decision.
How to Read This Alignment Review
5Domains
145Competencies reviewed
95%Test-aligned
131Covered
14Partially covered
0Gaps
- CoveredCompetency is comprehensively supported by the guide.
- Partially coveredCore content is covered, but some depth gaps remain.
- Coverage gap identifiedA content gap has been identified.
This study guide is based on the current official exam framework. We review and update alignment whenever the official framework changes so candidates are always studying current, accurate material.
Historiography and World History (Domain I)Partially covered
SMR I.0001 · Understand historical concepts, terms, sources, perspectives, and research skills.112 questions · 7 materials · 22 cards · 4 videosPartially covered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of basic historical terms and concepts, such as nation-state, theocracy, dynastic cycle, collectivization, globalization, modernization, chronology, and periodization. | Historical Concepts and Vocabulary | Covered | 12 | 1 | 8 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (12 questions, 1 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Apply knowledge of basic reference sources used in historical research, including almanacs, information technology, bibliographies, periodical guides, encyclopedias, and biographical dictionaries. | Skill - Sources for Data | Partially covered | 4 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (4 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| C. Distinguish between primary and secondary sources of historical information, and evaluate their credibility and reliability. | Skill - Primary and Secondary Sources | Covered | 22 | 1 | 4 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (22 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 1 videos). |
| D. Evaluate the uses and limitations of various historical source materials, including oral histories, newspapers, diaries, artifacts, probate data, tax lists, personal correspondence, census data, videos, and materials accessed through information technologies. | Skill - Sources for Data | Partially covered | 4 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (4 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| E. Analyze important historical interpretations, such as Frederick Jackson Turner's frontier thesis, Charles Beard's interpretation of the creation of the U.S. Constitution, and Karl Marx's interpretation of European industrialization. | Skill - Analyze Historical Text | Covered | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (12 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos). |
| F. Analyze cause-and-effect relationships between historical events and developments. | Themes - Cause and Effect in History | Covered | 19 | 1 | 3 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (19 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 1 videos). |
| G. Recognize central theses, main ideas, and supporting evidence in various sources of historical information. | Skill - Analyze Historical Text | Covered | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (12 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos). |
| H. Distinguish between fact and opinion in historical narratives and interpretations. | ELA.Skill - Fact vs Opinion | Covered | 20 | 1 | 3 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (20 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 1 videos). |
| I. Draw inferences and conclusions from historical texts and interpretations. | Skill - Analyze Historical Text | Covered | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (12 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos). |
| J. Analyze the purpose and perspective of diverse sources of historical information, including potential bias and the assumptions on which historical arguments are based. | Skill - Sources for Data | Partially covered | 4 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (4 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| K. Interpret historical issues represented in graphic formats, including charts, diagrams, maps, political cartoons, and graphs. | Skill - Analysis of Graphics | Covered | 23 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (23 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 1 videos). |
SMR I.0002 · Understand major developments in world history from the beginnings of human society to 1350 CE.238 questions · 23 materials · 108 cards · 4 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Examine the Neolithic Revolution and the birth of human civilization, including the growth of agriculture, the domestication of animals, social differentiation, economic specialization, political organization, and the emergence of towns. | Human Evolution | Covered | 10 | 1 | 5 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (10 questions, 1 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Demonstrate knowledge of major geographic, social, political, economic, and cultural features of early civilizations in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Near East. | Ancient Egypt; Mesopotamia | Covered | 28 | 2 | 17 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (28 questions, 2 materials, 17 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Examine the major political, social, economic, and cultural developments of ancient Greece and Rome, and their contributions to Western civilization. | Ancient Greece; Ancient Rome | Covered | 31 | 2 | 19 | 2 | Covered by 2 topics (31 questions, 2 materials, 19 cards, 2 videos). |
| D. Examine major political, social, economic, and cultural developments in India, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, including the Mauryan and Gupta empires, Han government and expansion, the influence of Confucianism and Taoism in China, Japanese feudalism and the rise of the samurai, the Indianization of Southeast Asia, and the effect of the Mongol invasions. | Ancient India; Ancient China; Ancient Japan | Covered | 35 | 3 | 22 | 1 | Covered by 3 topics (35 questions, 3 materials, 22 cards, 1 videos). |
| E. Demonstrate knowledge of the principal beliefs, sacred texts, and historical development of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. | Religions of the World - Abraham; Religions of the World | Covered | 15 | 2 | 14 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (15 questions, 2 materials, 14 cards, 0 videos). |
| F. Examine major geographic, social, political, economic, and cultural characteristics of civilizations in Africa and the Americas during the period, including the Bantu migrations, the spread of Islam south of the Sahara, the rise and decline of major African empires, the emergence of Swahili culture and commerce, Mayan science and religion, Aztec religion and society, and Inca government and expansion. | Ancient Africa; Maya, Inca, Aztec | Covered | 19 | 2 | 8 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (19 questions, 2 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos). |
| G. Examine major geographic, social, political, economic, and cultural characteristics of the Islamic and Byzantine civilizations, the expansion of Islamic civilization, divisions within the Muslim caliphate, the growth of Muslim commerce, the work of Islamic and Byzantine scholars, Justinian's conquests and legal reforms, and the influence and decline of Byzantine civilization. | Growth of Islam; Byzantine Empire; Fall of Constantinople | Covered | 28 | 3 | 16 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (28 questions, 3 materials, 16 cards, 0 videos). |
| H. Analyze major social, political, and economic developments in Europe following the decline of the Roman Empire, including the emergence of feudalism, the role of the Catholic Church in medieval civilization, the creation of the Holy Roman Empire, the rise of Russian civilization, the Crusades, and the Black Death. | Decline of Western Roman Empire; Rise of Feudalism; Christianity in Early Europe; Crusades; Holy Roman Empire; Black Death | Covered | 55 | 6 | 26 | 0 | Covered by 6 topics (55 questions, 6 materials, 26 cards, 0 videos). |
| I. Recognize chronological relationships between major global events and developments of the period. | Christianity in Early Europe | Covered | 8 | 1 | 8 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos). |
| J. Analyze major social, economic, and cultural developments and trends in Eurasia, Africa, and the Americas from 4000 BCE to 1350 CE. | Middle Eastern Influence on World Culture and Technology; African Influence on World Culture and Technology | Covered | 17 | 2 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (17 questions, 2 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR I.0003 · Understand major developments in world history from 1350 to 1871.153 questions · 18 materials · 110 cards · 0 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Examine the origins, major developments, significant individuals, and lasting consequences of the European Renaissance. | Scientific Revolution and the Renaissance | Covered | 13 | 1 | 11 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (13 questions, 1 materials, 11 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Analyze the causes and consequences of the Protestant Reformation, including the role of leading reformers, the response of the Catholic Church, and the religious wars of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. | Reformation | Covered | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 7 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Analyze European expansion between 1450 and 1650, including the factors that encouraged European exploration and conquest and the impact of European colonization on Europeans and the indigenous societies they encountered. | British Empire | Covered | 11 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (11 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Analyze the central ideas of major thinkers of the Scientific Revolution and the European Enlightenment and the influence of those ideas on events and developments in Europe and the Americas. | Enlightenment | Covered | 15 | 1 | 9 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (15 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos). |
| E. Analyze causes, similarities, differences, and consequences of the English, American, and French revolutions, and the wars for independence in Latin America. | French Revolution and Napoleon; Nineteenth Century Europe; Latin American Wars of Independence | Covered | 24 | 3 | 17 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (24 questions, 3 materials, 17 cards, 0 videos). |
| F. Evaluate economic, social, and political factors related to the emergence and spread of industrialization in Europe, including the role of Great Britain in the industrializing process; the growth of urban centers; the transformation of family and social relations; and major technological innovations, economic theories, political responses, and social reforms of the industrial era. | Growth of Capitalism | Covered | 7 | 1 | 9 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos). |
| G. Examine major political developments during the period, including the rise of the Ottoman Empire; dynastic change in China; the consolidation of nation-states; the growth of absolutism, liberalism, and nationalism in Europe; the Meiji Restoration; and German and Italian unification. | The Ottoman Empire; Japan and Feudalism; China Pre Europeans | Covered | 21 | 3 | 9 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (21 questions, 3 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos). |
| I. Recognize chronological relationships between major global events and developments from 1350 to 1871. | Scientific Revolution and the Renaissance | Covered | 13 | 1 | 11 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (13 questions, 1 materials, 11 cards, 0 videos). |
| J. Analyze major social, economic, and cultural developments and trends in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas from 1350 to 1871. | Growth of Capitalism | Covered | 7 | 1 | 9 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos). |
| H. Demonstrate knowledge of major literary, artistic, intellectual, and scientific developments in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas from 1350 to 1871. | ELA.African Literature; Art in Culture; ELA.Latin American and Caribbean Literature; ELA.European Literature; ELA.Asian Literature; ELA.Greek Literature; ELA.British Literary Movements and Periods | Covered | 54 | 7 | 52 | 0 | Covered by 7 topics (54 questions, 7 materials, 52 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR I.0004 · Understand major developments in world history from 1871 to the present.181 questions · 22 materials · 113 cards · 4 videosPartially covered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Analyze major causes, events, developments, and consequences of European imperialism, including motives and justifications for the pursuit of colonial empires; rivalries and conflicts between colonial powers; and interactions between imperialist powers and the peoples of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. | French Imperialism; British Empire | Covered | 21 | 2 | 5 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (21 questions, 2 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Demonstrate knowledge of the causes, major events, and consequences of World War I, including nationalist tensions in the Balkans, the strategy of the main combatants, major battles of the war, the Russian Revolution, and the Treaty of Versailles. | World War I V1; Revolutions of the Early 20th Century | Covered | 28 | 2 | 18 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (28 questions, 2 materials, 18 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Analyze the causes, major events, and consequences of World War II, including the rise of totalitarian and authoritarian governments in Europe and Asia, Nazi and Japanese aggression, the Munich Conference, the Nazi-Soviet pact, major battles of the war, the Holocaust, the use of the atomic bomb, and the formation of the United Nations. | World War II V1 | Covered | 11 | 1 | 9 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (11 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 1 videos). |
| D. Analyze the causes, major events, and consequences of the Cold War, including U.S.-Soviet differences concerning Eastern Europe, ideological confrontation, the Berlin Blockade, the creation of NATO and the Warsaw Pact, the nuclear arms race, détente, resistance to Soviet domination and communist rule, and the collapse of the Soviet Union. | The Cold War; The Cold War - Divided Germany; The Cold War - Collapse of Soviet Union; NATO | Covered | 25 | 4 | 22 | 1 | Covered by 4 topics (25 questions, 4 materials, 22 cards, 1 videos). |
| E. Examine major political, social, and economic developments in East Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East since 1945, including decolonization in postwar Asia, Africa, and the Middle East; the Chinese Cultural Revolution; revolutions in Cuba and Nicaragua; the overthrow of apartheid in South Africa; and the Arab-Israeli conflict. | Communism and China; Decolonization in Africa and Asia; South Africa | Covered | 21 | 3 | 8 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (21 questions, 3 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos). |
| F. Analyze political, economic, social, and demographic changes in Europe since World War II, including postwar reconstruction; socialism and the social welfare state; the Common Market; changing patterns of work, leisure, and gender relations; immigration; and the emergence of the European Union. | Rise of Globalism; The European Union | Covered | 21 | 2 | 4 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (21 questions, 2 materials, 4 cards, 1 videos). |
| H. Analyze major global challenges of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, including environmental degradation, terrorism, human rights abuses, limited natural resource supplies, and economic imbalances and social inequalities among the world's peoples. | Themes - Impact of Conflict | Partially covered | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (0 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| I. Recognize chronological relationships between major global events and developments from 1871 to the present. | The Cold War | Covered | 9 | 1 | 7 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (9 questions, 1 materials, 7 cards, 1 videos). |
| J. Analyze major social, economic, and cultural developments and trends in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas from 1871 to the present. | Rise of Globalism | Covered | 10 | 1 | 4 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (10 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 1 videos). |
| G. Demonstrate knowledge of major literary, artistic, intellectual, and scientific developments in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas from 1871 to the present. | ELA.African Literature; Art in Culture; ELA.European Literature; ELA.Asian Literature; ELA.Latin American and Caribbean Literature; ELA.Greek Literature; ELA.British Literary Movements and Periods | Covered | 54 | 7 | 52 | 0 | Covered by 7 topics (54 questions, 7 materials, 52 cards, 0 videos). |
U.S. History (Domain II)Partially covered
SMR II.0005 · Understand major developments in early U.S. history from the precontact period to 1789.166 questions · 11 materials · 98 cards · 6 videosPartially covered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of important social, economic, and political features of major Native American cultures of the precontact period. | Native American Groups Pre-Colonization | Covered | 18 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (18 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Examine major events and developments related to the European exploration of North America, including the objectives of various explorers, the consequences of key expeditions and settlements, and competition and conflict between European nations. | European Exploration and Colonization V1 | Covered | 35 | 1 | 13 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (35 questions, 1 materials, 13 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Analyze coexistence and conflict between Europeans and Native Americans, including the different cultural perspectives of the two groups. | European Exploration and Colonization V1; French and Indian War | Covered | 49 | 2 | 17 | 2 | Covered by 2 topics (49 questions, 2 materials, 17 cards, 2 videos). |
| D. Compare similarities and differences between the New England, mid-Atlantic, and southern colonies, including reasons for migration to North America, ethnic diversity, and patterns of social and economic development. | Colonial Period; Thirteen Colonies | Covered | 24 | 2 | 20 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (24 questions, 2 materials, 20 cards, 1 videos). |
| E. Analyze major economic, social, political, and cultural developments in the colonies, including the influence of the triangular trade on colonial economic development, the growth of slavery, the role of colonial assemblies and the emergence of representative government, the Great Awakening and the evolution of religious freedom, and economic and political relations with Great Britain. | Great Awakenings | Partially covered | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (5 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| F. Examine major causes, events, developments, and consequences of the Revolutionary War, including the influence of Enlightenment thought on Americans, changes in British imperial policy following the French and Indian War, arguments over the rights of English people, the Stamp Act crisis and the Townshend Acts, efforts to achieve colonial unity, the roles and perspectives of various groups during the war, major battles of the conflict, economic issues arising out of the Revolution, and the effects of the Revolution on various social groups. | The American Revolution V1 | Covered | 27 | 1 | 24 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (27 questions, 1 materials, 24 cards, 1 videos). |
| G. Analyze the evolution of national and state governments during and after the Revolution, including arguments over the Articles of Confederation, the creation of state constitutions, differences between Federalists and Anti-Federalists, major debates and compromises at the Constitutional Convention, and the struggle for ratification of the Constitution. | Articles of Confederation; Constitution and the Bill of Rights | Covered | 31 | 2 | 19 | 2 | Covered by 2 topics (31 questions, 2 materials, 19 cards, 2 videos). |
| H. Demonstrate knowledge of major figures of the period, such as John Smith, Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson, William Penn, James Oglethorpe, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Chief Pontiac, Daniel Boone, Benjamin Banneker, Samuel Adams, Thomas Paine, James Madison, and Abigail Adams. | Key Names in Early Republic | Covered | 6 | 1 | 12 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 12 cards, 0 videos). |
| I. Recognize chronological relationships between major events and developments of the period. | Colonial Period | Covered | 11 | 1 | 11 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (11 questions, 1 materials, 11 cards, 1 videos). |
| J. Analyze major social, economic, political, and cultural trends in the colonies and the new nation from the beginnings of settlement to 1789. | Minority Groups in Early America | Partially covered | 6 | 1 | 3 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
SMR II.0006 · Understand major developments in U.S. history from 1789 to 1877.248 questions · 19 materials · 158 cards · 3 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Examine major political and constitutional developments of the period, including the Alien and Sedition Acts, the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, Jeffersonian Republicanism, John Marshall and the Supreme Court, the decline of the Federalist Party, the emergence of Jacksonian democracy, debates over the tariff and the national bank, the Nullification Crisis, and differences between the Democratic and Whig parties. | Origin of Political Parties; Alien and Sedition Acts; Early 1800s V1; Early Tariff Issues | Covered | 20 | 4 | 15 | 0 | Covered by 4 topics (20 questions, 4 materials, 15 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Analyze events and developments related to westward expansion, including major territorial acquisitions, government-sponsored exploration of the West, factors encouraging migration, economic motives and ideological and religious justifications, the challenges faced by settlers, and the impact of westward settlement and growth on Native American peoples. | Westward Expansion and Manifest Destiny | Covered | 25 | 1 | 16 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (25 questions, 1 materials, 16 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Analyze the causes and consequences of economic growth during the period, including improvements in transportation, technological innovations, the spread of factory production, immigration and urbanization, the panics of 1819 and 1837, and the effects of industrialization on different regions and social groups. | First Industrial Revolution; Immigration 1830-1850 | Covered | 36 | 2 | 11 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (36 questions, 2 materials, 11 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Examine major events and developments in U.S. foreign relations, including the War of 1812, the Monroe Doctrine, and the Mexican War. | War of 1812 | Covered | 7 | 1 | 7 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 7 cards, 0 videos). |
| E. Examine the origins and objectives of major antebellum reform movements and the activities and achievements of key reformers, such as William Lloyd Garrison, the Grimké sisters, Frederick Douglass, Frances Wright, Robert Owen, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Horace Mann, and Dorothea Dix. | Abolitionist Movement and The Growing Sectional Divide; Women's Rights Movement; Key Figures of the Civil War and Reconstruction | Covered | 35 | 3 | 43 | 1 | Covered by 3 topics (35 questions, 3 materials, 43 cards, 1 videos). |
| F. Analyze the impact of slavery in the United States, including the role of slavery in southern society, forces promoting the expansion of slavery, the emergence of a distinctive African American culture, slave resistance, the development of pro-slavery arguments, and the influence of slavery on national politics. | Slavery | Covered | 11 | 1 | 8 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (11 questions, 1 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos). |
| G. Examine major political developments of the 1850s that contributed to the sectional polarization that resulted in the Civil War, including the Compromise of 1850, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the disruption of the second American party system, the Dred Scott decision, John Brown's raid at Harpers Ferry, and the presidential election of 1860. | Slavery Compromises; Causes of Sectionalism | Covered | 30 | 2 | 14 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (30 questions, 2 materials, 14 cards, 1 videos). |
| H. Analyze major events and developments of the Civil War, including the strategies adopted by Union and Confederate military leaders, major battles and diplomatic initiatives, wartime draft riots, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the election of 1864. | Civil War | Covered | 25 | 1 | 11 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (25 questions, 1 materials, 11 cards, 0 videos). |
| I. Analyze key events and developments of the Reconstruction period, including alternative programs for Reconstruction; conflict between President Johnson and Congress; the ratification of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments; the programs of Radical state governments in the South; Southern White resistance to Reconstruction; the role of the U.S. Supreme Court; and the Compromise of 1877. | Reconstruction | Covered | 21 | 1 | 14 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (21 questions, 1 materials, 14 cards, 0 videos). |
| K. Recognize chronological relationships between major events and developments in U.S. history during this period. | Civil War; Gilded Age | Covered | 37 | 2 | 21 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (37 questions, 2 materials, 21 cards, 0 videos). |
| J. Demonstrate knowledge of major literary, artistic, intellectual, scientific, and technological developments from 1789 to 1877. | Themes and Famous Artworks; ELA.American Literary Movements and Periods | Covered | 26 | 2 | 26 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (26 questions, 2 materials, 26 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR II.0007 · Understand major developments in U.S. history from 1877 to 1929.151 questions · 12 materials · 129 cards · 2 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Examine the settlement of the trans-Mississippi West, including the mining, ranching, and farming frontiers; the impact of technological developments (e.g., the telegraph, the railroad, barbed wire); and the effects of expanding settlement on Native American peoples. | Impacts of Human Innovations | Covered | 11 | 1 | 7 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (11 questions, 1 materials, 7 cards, 1 videos). |
| B. Analyze the growth of the industrial economy, including the rise and consolidation of industrial and financial empires, the results of technological and managerial innovations, and the conflict between industrial capitalism and organized labor. | Second Industrial Revolution; Rise of Labor | Covered | 25 | 2 | 25 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (25 questions, 2 materials, 25 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Examine changing patterns of immigration to the United States during the period and the impact of immigration and urbanization on U.S. society. | Immigration 1870-1920 | Covered | 7 | 1 | 6 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Analyze the rise of the New South; the disfranchisement and segregation of African Americans; and the efforts of African Americans such as Booker T. Washington, W. E. B. Du Bois, and Ida B. Wells to overcome the social, economic, and political obstacles that confronted them. | Reconstruction | Covered | 21 | 1 | 14 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (21 questions, 1 materials, 14 cards, 0 videos). |
| E. Examine the emergence of the United States as a world power, including the Spanish-American War, U.S. intervention in Asia and Latin America, and key issues in the debate over U.S. expansionism. | American Imperialism | Covered | 21 | 1 | 12 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (21 questions, 1 materials, 12 cards, 0 videos). |
| F. Examine the origins, goals, strategies, and influence of the Progressive movement, including opposition to political and corporate abuses of power, the Progressive emphasis on science and efficiency, and major governmental and legislative reforms. | Progressive Movement | Covered | 16 | 1 | 10 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (16 questions, 1 materials, 10 cards, 0 videos). |
| G. Analyze the causes and consequences of U.S. participation in World War I, including reasons for U.S. entry into the conflict, the impact of U.S. intervention on the war's outcome, and the effect of the war on U.S. society. | Effects of World War I on America V1 | Covered | 10 | 1 | 14 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (10 questions, 1 materials, 14 cards, 1 videos). |
| H. Examine major events and developments of the 1920s, including the growth of a consumer economy; the Red Scare; Prohibition; the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan; immigration restriction legislation; passage of the Nineteenth Amendment; nonconformity and dissent; the Harlem Renaissance; the presidential administrations of Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, and Herbert Hoover; and the causes of the Great Depression. | Early 20th Century Amendments; Interwar America | Covered | 14 | 2 | 20 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (14 questions, 2 materials, 20 cards, 0 videos). |
| J. Recognize chronological relationships between major events and developments in U.S. history during this period. | Effects of World War I on America V1 | Covered | 10 | 1 | 14 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (10 questions, 1 materials, 14 cards, 1 videos). |
| I. Demonstrate knowledge of major literary, artistic, intellectual, scientific, and technological developments from 1877 to 1929. | Themes and Famous Artworks; ELA.American Literary Movements and Periods | Covered | 26 | 2 | 26 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (26 questions, 2 materials, 26 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR II.0008 · Understand major developments in U.S. history from 1929 to the present.152 questions · 21 materials · 111 cards · 4 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Analyze the causes of the Great Depression, the responses of the Hoover administration and Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal to economic collapse and social dislocation, the ascendancy of the Democratic Party, and the effects of the Depression on the American people. | Great Depression and the New Deal | Covered | 18 | 1 | 5 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (18 questions, 1 materials, 5 cards, 1 videos). |
| B. Examine major events and developments related to U.S. participation in World War II, including prewar isolationism and neutrality, war mobilization, the internment of Japanese Americans, U.S. military and diplomatic strategy, major battles involving U.S. forces, the impact of the war on the U.S. economy and society, and the decision to drop the atomic bomb. | World War II and America V1 | Covered | 10 | 1 | 4 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (10 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Analyze major developments in U.S. foreign policy since World War II, including the doctrine of containment and the domino theory, atomic diplomacy, the Korean and Vietnam wars, U.S. intervention in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, the Cuban missile crisis, the policy of détente, the Camp David Accords, the Iran hostage crisis, the Persian Gulf War, the struggle against international terrorism, and the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. | Korean War and Vietnam War; Cuban Missile Crisis; The Gulf War; 911 and Response; Afghanistan and Iraq; ISIS; Rise of China | Covered | 25 | 7 | 35 | 1 | Covered by 7 topics (25 questions, 7 materials, 35 cards, 1 videos). |
| D. Analyze major political events and developments in the United States since 1945, including Harry S. Truman's Fair Deal, Dwight D. Eisenhower's Modern Republicanism, John F. Kennedy's New Frontier, Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society, Watergate, the decline of liberalism and the rise of the conservative movement, the Iran-Contra scandal, the Clinton impeachment, significant Supreme Court decisions, and important electoral contests of the period. | American Society 1945-1990; Nixon and Watergate; Clinton Impeachment; Political Developments 1945-1970 | Covered | 21 | 4 | 17 | 0 | Covered by 4 topics (21 questions, 4 materials, 17 cards, 0 videos). |
| E. Demonstrate knowledge of major economic developments in the United States since 1945, including the postwar economic boom, the construction of the Interstate Highway System, the rise of the Sunbelt, deindustrialization and the shift toward a service economy, the decline of organized labor, Reaganomics, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and economic globalization. | American Society 1945-1990 | Covered | 14 | 1 | 8 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (14 questions, 1 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos). |
| F. Analyze major social developments in the United States since 1945, including suburbanization, the baby boom, the expansion of higher education, the emergence of a youth culture, demographic and population shifts, and changing patterns of immigration. | American Society 1945-1990 | Covered | 14 | 1 | 8 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (14 questions, 1 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos). |
| G. Examine the aims, activities, strategies, prominent figures, and achievements of the struggle for African American equality, including Brown v. Board of Education, the Montgomery bus boycott, civil disobedience, the sit-in movement, the Birmingham and Selma campaigns, the enactments of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Black Power movement. | African American Civil Rights Movement in America | Covered | 22 | 1 | 17 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (22 questions, 1 materials, 17 cards, 1 videos). |
| H. Demonstrate knowledge of major social and political movements of the postwar period, including the women's rights movement, the American Indian Movement, the Hispanic rights movement, the Asian American movement, the New Left, the counterculture, the Free Speech movement, the gay liberation movement, and the environmental movement. | Counterculture; Feminist Movement; Hispanic Civil Rights Movement; American Indian Civil Rights Movement | Covered | 24 | 4 | 8 | 0 | Covered by 4 topics (24 questions, 4 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos). |
| J. Recognize chronological relationships between major events and developments in U.S. history during this period. | American Society 1945-1990 | Covered | 14 | 1 | 8 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (14 questions, 1 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos). |
| I. Demonstrate knowledge of major developments in literature, the arts, popular culture, science, and technology in the United States from 1929 to the present. | Themes and Famous Artworks; Information Age; ELA.American Literary Movements and Periods | Covered | 32 | 3 | 28 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (32 questions, 3 materials, 28 cards, 0 videos). |
Geography and Culture (Domain III)Partially covered
SMR III.0009 · Understand geographic terms, concepts, sources, and research skills.136 questions · 10 materials · 50 cards · 3 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Apply the five fundamental geographic themes of location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, and region. | Themes of Geography | Covered | 8 | 1 | 7 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 7 cards, 1 videos). |
| B. Demonstrate knowledge of the six essential elements of geography, including the world in spatial terms, places and regions, physical systems, human systems, environment and society, and the uses of geography. | Themes of Geography | Covered | 8 | 1 | 7 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 7 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Apply basic geographic terms and concepts such as habitat, ecology, interdependence, assimilation, demographic cycle, complementarity, cultural convergence, and cultural diffusion. | Basic Concepts of Culture; Acculturation and Assimilation | Covered | 25 | 2 | 9 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (25 questions, 2 materials, 9 cards, 1 videos). |
| D. Recognize basic characteristics of maps and globes, including keys and legends; scale; latitude and longitude; and the advantages and disadvantages of maps, globes, and standard map projections. | Types of Maps; Absolute Location V1; Mapping Tools; Types of Maps - Projections | Covered | 45 | 4 | 23 | 0 | Covered by 4 topics (45 questions, 4 materials, 23 cards, 0 videos). |
| E. Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics and uses of various geographic reference sources, tools, and technologies, including atlases, almanacs, gazetteers, encyclopedias, satellite images, geographic information systems, global positioning systems, and computer databases. | Mapping Tools | Covered | 8 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
| F. Interpret geographic information presented in various visual formats, including maps, charts, tables, population pyramids, and images. | Using Maps; Skill - Interpreting Population Pyramids | Covered | 33 | 2 | 6 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (33 questions, 2 materials, 6 cards, 1 videos). |
| G. Apply skills and procedures used in geographic research, including formulating appropriate research questions, collecting and presenting information, identifying main ideas, analyzing cause-and-effect relationships, distinguishing between fact and opinion, determining the adequacy and relevance of information, and drawing conclusions. | Teaching - Research Skills | Covered | 25 | 1 | 6 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (25 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR III.0010 · Understand physical features, physical systems, and the interaction between the environment and human societies.196 questions · 12 materials · 74 cards · 2 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Locate major landmasses, significant landforms, and important bodies of water in various parts of the world on maps of different types and scales. | The Earth's Significant Physical Features | Covered | 15 | 1 | 15 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (15 questions, 1 materials, 15 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Recognize various types of physical features such as gulfs, deltas, capes, isthmuses, peninsulas, and archipelagoes. | Types of Physical Features - Elementary | Covered | 14 | 1 | 13 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (14 questions, 1 materials, 13 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Demonstrate knowledge of national boundaries and the geopolitical factors that influence them. | Political Regions of the World | Covered | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (15 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Recognize the principal elements of climate, global and regional climatic patterns, and the processes that influence weather. | Weather and Climate | Covered | 20 | 1 | 21 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (20 questions, 1 materials, 21 cards, 0 videos). |
| E. Demonstrate knowledge of the ways in which internal and external processes (e.g., tectonic movement, volcanism, glaciation, erosion, deposition) shape the physical features of the earth. | Natural Forces | Covered | 17 | 1 | 5 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (17 questions, 1 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos). |
| F. Recognize the location, distribution, and uses of natural resources in the United States and the world and the influence of natural resources and ecosystems on human populations. | Resources - Advanced | Covered | 10 | 1 | 3 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (10 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 1 videos). |
| G. Analyze the effects of physical factors such as climate, topography, ecology, and location on population distribution, livelihood, industry, agriculture, and transportation. | Factors Affecting Settlement | Covered | 19 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (19 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos). |
| H. Analyze ways in which human societies modify the physical environment and adapt to environmental change, including agricultural activities, industrialization, urbanization, armed conflicts, conservation initiatives, and programs for resource use and management. | Human-Environment Interaction V1 | Covered | 19 | 1 | 3 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (19 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 1 videos). |
| I. Examine the causes and effects of current environmental problems, including global warming, tropical deforestation, decline of fish stocks, desertification, acid rain, waste disposal, and reduced quality and availability of water; and the role of technological innovation and development in the creation and solution of environmental problems. | Human-Environment Interaction V1; S.Human Influences on Climate; S.Human Populations Impact the Earth; S.Global Warming | Covered | 69 | 4 | 10 | 1 | Covered by 4 topics (69 questions, 4 materials, 10 cards, 1 videos). |
| J. Demonstrate knowledge of how geographic factors have influenced historical events and developments. | Causes of Human Migration | Covered | 17 | 1 | 6 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (17 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR III.0011 · Understand human systems.104 questions · 10 materials · 38 cards · 3 videosPartially covered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of major cultural groups associated with particular world regions, including language, clothing, habitation, ethnic homogeneity or diversity, government, food, patterns of livelihood, art and literature, and how places serve as cultural symbols. | Cultural Regions of the World; Basic Concepts of Culture | Covered | 31 | 2 | 7 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (31 questions, 2 materials, 7 cards, 1 videos). |
| B. Examine the establishment of human settlements and how their organization and functions have changed over time. | Factors Affecting Settlement | Covered | 19 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (19 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Examine world population patterns and trends, including world and regional population distribution; the demographic structure of particular places and regions; and the economic, environmental, and cultural reasons for demographic change. | Demography V1; Population Change (DTM) V1; Economic Development | Covered | 25 | 3 | 13 | 2 | Covered by 3 topics (25 questions, 3 materials, 13 cards, 2 videos). |
| D. Analyze the causes and effects of historical and contemporary migrations of human populations, including push and pull factors and the diffusion of ideas, beliefs, and cultural traits from one culture to another. | Modern Population Trends | Partially covered | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (5 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| E. Examine categories, patterns, and networks of economic activity in human societies. | Economic Development | Covered | 7 | 1 | 7 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 7 cards, 0 videos). |
| F. Demonstrate knowledge of the roles and functions of social institutions such as the family, education, religion, and government, including cultural transmission, social integration, personal development, social control, and the promotion of innovation. | Sociological Institutions and Structures V1 | Covered | 14 | 1 | 10 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (14 questions, 1 materials, 10 cards, 0 videos). |
| G. Analyze how the forces of cooperation and conflict, including political and cultural divisions within and between places, regions, and major international organizations, influence the division and control of the earth and its resources. | Sociological Institutions and Structures Across the World V1; Social Stratification | Covered | 10 | 2 | 7 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (10 questions, 2 materials, 7 cards, 0 videos). |
Government (Domain IV)Partially covered
SMR IV.0012 · Understand political science concepts, terms, perspectives, and research skills.151 questions · 12 materials · 65 cards · 3 videosPartially covered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of basic political science terms and concepts such as federalism, judicial review, loose and strict construction, executive privilege, patronage, injunction, balance of power, sovereignty, gerrymandering, eminent domain, enumerated and implied powers, political culture, political socialization, interest group theory, and social contract theory. | Federalism; Evolution of 3 Branches; Gerrymandering; Rights, Responsibilities and Freedoms | Covered | 40 | 4 | 15 | 1 | Covered by 4 topics (40 questions, 4 materials, 15 cards, 1 videos). |
| B. Analyze principles and ideas contained in the writings of important political theorists and figures, such as Aristotle, Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Baron de Montesquieu, Alexis de Tocqueville, Karl Marx, V. I. Lenin, Mohandas Gandhi, George Orwell, and Nelson Mandela. | Skill - Analyze Historical Text | Covered | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (12 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Examine major events and developments related to the emergence and spread of democratic and representative government from ancient Greece to the present. | Origins of Democracy; Other Government Philosophers | Covered | 35 | 2 | 26 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (35 questions, 2 materials, 26 cards, 1 videos). |
| D. Recognize major characteristics of different systems of government, including monarchy, autocracy, oligarchy, theocracy, representative democracy, direct democracy, authoritarianism, totalitarianism, fascism, and limited and unlimited government. | Implications of Different Forms of Government | Covered | 28 | 1 | 14 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (28 questions, 1 materials, 14 cards, 1 videos). |
| E. Analyze similarities and differences between the political systems of the United States and other contemporary and historical nations. | Modern Political Theories | Partially covered | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (1 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| F. Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics and uses of various political science reference sources and research tools, including encyclopedias, almanacs, census data, surveys, interviews, and computer databases. | Skill - Sources for Data | Partially covered | 4 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (4 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| G. Interpret historical and contemporary political science issues represented in various visual formats, including maps, charts, diagrams, tables, political cartoons, and graphs. | Skill - Analyzing Political Cartoons | Partially covered | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| H. Apply skills and procedures used in political science research, including formulating appropriate research questions; collecting and presenting information; identifying main ideas; analyzing cause-and-effect relationships; distinguishing between fact and opinion; recognizing bias; determining the adequacy, relevance, and reliability of information; and drawing conclusions. | Teaching - Research Skills | Covered | 25 | 1 | 6 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (25 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR IV.0013 · Understand the foundations of U.S. government, the U.S. political process, and the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.161 questions · 9 materials · 47 cards · 3 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Analyze major principles and ideas contained in key political documents contributing to the development of government in the United States, such as Magna Carta, the Petition of Rights, the English Bill of Rights, the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Federalist Papers, Washington's Farewell Address, the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, and the Seneca Falls Declaration of 1848. | Principles in Founding Documents | Covered | 19 | 1 | 2 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (19 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 1 videos). |
| B. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles, key articles, and significant amendments to the U.S. Constitution. | U.S. Constitutional Amendments | Covered | 15 | 1 | 19 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (15 questions, 1 materials, 19 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Examine the significance of landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions, such as Marbury v. Madison, McCulloch v. Maryland, Plessy v. Ferguson, Schenck v. United States, Brown v. Board of Education, Gideon v. Wainwright, Miranda v. Arizona, United States v. Nixon, Roe v. Wade, and University of California v. Bakke. | Landmark Supreme Court Cases | Covered | 29 | 1 | 4 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (29 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 1 videos). |
| D. Analyze major features of the U.S. electoral system, including reapportionment and redistricting, primary elections, the Electoral College, the role and development of political parties, and factors influencing voter turnout and the outcome of political contests. | U.S. Electoral Process | Covered | 19 | 1 | 3 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (19 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos). |
| E. Examine the ways in which citizens participate in the political process and the skills needed for effective participation in public affairs. | Components of the Democratic Process | Covered | 17 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (17 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
| F. Demonstrate knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship, including First Amendment rights, due process rights, equal protection under the laws, voting, paying taxes, and serving on juries. | Fundamental Citizenship Rights; Expectations and Benefits of Citizenship | Covered | 44 | 2 | 14 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (44 questions, 2 materials, 14 cards, 1 videos). |
| G. Analyze developments and events in U.S. history that have increased or diminished individual rights and popular participation in the political process. | Modern Components of the Democratic Process; Expansion of Suffrage | Covered | 18 | 2 | 13 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (18 questions, 2 materials, 13 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR IV.0014 · Understand the structure, organization, and operation of different levels of government in the United States.90 questions · 7 materials · 45 cards · 2 videosPartially covered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of the structure, functions, and powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government, including the bicameral structure of Congress, the roles and constitutional powers of the president, the role of the cabinet, and the structure of the federal judicial system. | Structure and Functions of Federal Government | Covered | 56 | 1 | 25 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (56 questions, 1 materials, 25 cards, 1 videos). |
| B. Analyze the separation of powers and operation of the system of checks and balances in the federal government. | Structure and Functions of Federal Government | Covered | 56 | 1 | 25 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (56 questions, 1 materials, 25 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Examine law-making processes in the United States, including the role of lobbyists and special interest groups in the legislative process and the operation of the initiative, referendum, and recall processes at the state level. | Enacting Laws | Partially covered | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (4 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| D. Recognize the organization and responsibilities of independent regulatory agencies, government corporations, and executive agencies in the federal government. | Government Regulation | Covered | 7 | 1 | 3 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 1 videos). |
| E. Demonstrate knowledge of the operation of the U.S. legal system, including the functions of law in U.S. society, major sources of U.S. law (e.g., constitutional, statutory, case, administrative), and steps in the criminal justice process. | Processes of U.S. Legal System | Covered | 7 | 1 | 5 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos). |
| F. Examine the process by which U.S. foreign policy is made, including the constitutional powers of the president and Congress, foreign policy tools available to the president, and factors influencing the formulation of U.S. foreign policy. | International Relations | Covered | 7 | 1 | 9 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos). |
| G. Demonstrate knowledge of the structure, functions, powers, and organization of state and local governments in the United States. | Structure and Functions of State Governments V1; Structure and Functions of Local Governments V1 | Covered | 9 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (9 questions, 2 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos). |
| H. Analyze relations between federal, state, and local governments in the United States. | Structure and Functions of Federal Government | Covered | 56 | 1 | 25 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (56 questions, 1 materials, 25 cards, 1 videos). |
Economics (Domain V)Partially covered
SMR V.0015 · Understand basic economic concepts, microeconomics, and consumer economics and personal finance.175 questions · 12 materials · 55 cards · 4 videosPartially covered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Recognize basic economic concepts, including scarcity, opportunity cost, economic incentives, competition, specialization, marginal utility, elasticity, economies of scale, and the law of diminishing returns. | Scarcity and Opportunity Cost; Elasticity; Division of Labor | Covered | 37 | 3 | 17 | 1 | Covered by 3 topics (37 questions, 3 materials, 17 cards, 1 videos). |
| B. Compare basic characteristics of market, traditional, command, and mixed economic systems. | Economic Systems | Covered | 16 | 1 | 6 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (16 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Demonstrate knowledge of the factors of production (i.e., land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship) and how they are combined to produce goods and services. | Economic Patterns | Covered | 18 | 1 | 2 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (18 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 1 videos). |
| D. Analyze how the laws of supply and demand, prices, and various competitive models (e.g., oligopoly, monopolistic competition) function in a market economy. | Markets; Supply and Demand | Covered | 66 | 2 | 18 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (66 questions, 2 materials, 18 cards, 1 videos). |
| E. Interpret economic information presented in various visual formats, including supply and demand charts, price indexes, circular flowcharts, and production possibility curves. | Profit Maximization Graphs | Partially covered | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| F. Analyze factors affecting the operation of business firms, including basic forms of business organization; decision-making and information-gathering methods; strategies for allocating scarce resources; and production, marketing, and distribution considerations. | Types of Business Ownership | Covered | 8 | 1 | 3 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos). |
| G. Recognize basic principles of consumer economics, including purchasing options for goods and services, sources of consumer information, types of consumer marketing and advertising, and consumer protection laws. | Consumer Decisions; Fundamental Economic Rights | Covered | 13 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (13 questions, 2 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos). |
| H. Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles of personal finance, including principles of budgeting, different forms of credit, and savings and investment options. | M.Financial Literacy | Covered | 11 | 1 | 9 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (11 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR V.0016 · Understand macroeconomics and international economics.93 questions · 11 materials · 45 cards · 0 videosPartially covered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of the roles of and relationships between major economic institutions and groups in the U.S. economic system, including banks, financial markets, labor unions, corporations, and consumers. | Key Economic Institutions | Partially covered | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (4 questions, 1 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| B. Analyze the causes and effects of unemployment, inflation, and deflation, including different types of unemployment and inflation, the effects of inflation and deflation on different groups, and ways in which unemployment and inflation are calculated. | Types of Unemployment; Effects of Inflation | Covered | 18 | 2 | 12 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (18 questions, 2 materials, 12 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Demonstrate knowledge of the stages of the business cycle (i.e., expansion, peak, contraction, and trough) and factors influencing movement among the four stages. | Business Cycle | Covered | 7 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Examine factors influencing fiscal policy, including major areas of government revenues and expenditures, the effects of surpluses and deficits on the economy, demand-side vs. supply-side theories, and the likely response of fiscal policymakers to given economic developments. | National Debt; Federal Budget; Fiscal and Monetary Policy | Covered | 21 | 3 | 7 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (21 questions, 3 materials, 7 cards, 0 videos). |
| E. Analyze factors influencing monetary policy, including the structure and functions of the Federal Reserve System, basic tools of monetary policy, monetarist theory, and the likely response of the Federal Reserve to given economic developments. | Federal Reserve System; Fiscal and Monetary Policy | Covered | 23 | 2 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (23 questions, 2 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
| F. Demonstrate knowledge of forms of government regulation and their effects on consumers and producers. | Government Regulation - Advanced | Covered | 10 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (10 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
| G. Examine the basic principles and components of international economics, including the concepts of absolute and comparative advantage, the principles of free trade and protectionism, economic development strategies, and major patterns of economic exchange. | Interdependence of Nations - Advanced | Covered | 21 | 1 | 9 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (21 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos). |
| H. Analyze factors influencing the operation of the international economic system, including exchange rates, trade restrictions, the balance of payments, and the policies of international economic agencies such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization. | Key Global Economic Institutions | Partially covered | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (1 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
How 240 Creates The NES Social Science (303) Study Guide
Every 240 study guide starts with the official exam framework. From there, we organize lessons, practice, and study tools around the categories the exam uses to measure candidate knowledge.
Review the official exam framework
We begin with the standards, domains, competencies, objectives, or content categories published by the testing authority.
Map the tested categories
We map every major area the exam is designed to cover so the guide reflects the real structure of the test.
Build lessons around tested content
We create study materials to support the official blueprint, not broad filler content.
Cross-check practice against exam expectations
We review practice content against the framework and real exam patterns so preparation stays targeted.
Review and update as standards change
When official frameworks change, we review guides and update alignment as needed.
Reviewed by subject-matter experts and maintained to reflect current standards.
Why 240 Is Better Than Other Generic Study Guides
Not all study guides are built the same way. Here is what separates a test-aligned guide from a generic one — and why it matters when you are preparing for the NES Social Science.
Generic prep
- Covers broad subject areas without structure
- No clear connection to the official exam framework
- Practice questions may not reflect the real test format
- May not update when official standards change
- Can be helpful for quick, broad review
240 test-aligned NES 303 prep
- Every lesson maps to an official domain or competency
- Built directly from the official exam framework
- Practice questions aligned to what the exam actually measures
- A clear study path by tested category
- Study smarter and enter test day more prepared
FAQs About the NES Social Science Study Guide
The questions teacher candidates ask us most often about the NES Social Science study guide.
Is 240 a good study guide for NES Social Science?
240 is a strong option because the guide is built around the official exam framework and shows detailed alignment by SMR and competency.
How closely does 240 align to the NES 303 exam?
This guide is 95% aligned based on a competency-by-competency review of the official framework and the study resources included in the guide.
Does 240 cover every competency?
This page shows coverage transparently across covered, partially covered, and identified gaps so candidates can see exactly how the guide maps to the exam.
What does “partially covered” mean?
Partially covered means the guide addresses the core parts of a competency, but some depth or subtopics may still be limited.