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Study Guide

Field 127: Middle Level Social Studies 
Test Design and Framework

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The test design below describes general assessment information. The framework that follows is a detailed outline that explains the knowledge and skills that this test measures.

Test Design

Test overview, including duration of test, number of questions, and passing score.
Format Computer-based test ( C B T ) and online proctored test
Number of Questions 80 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response assignment
Time* 4 hours
Passing Score 240

*Does not include 15-minute  C B T  tutorial

Test Framework

Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.

test weighting by number of questions per subarea part 1 of 2.
subareas range of competencies approximate percentage of test
selected-response
roman numeral 1 U.S. History 0001to0003 23 percent
roman numeral 2 Geography and Culture 0004to0006 21 percent
roman numeral 3 Government and Civics 0007to0009 23 percent
roman numeral 4 Economics and World History 0010to0012 18 percent
this cell intentionally left blank. 85 percent
test weighting by number of questions per subarea part 2 of 2.
subareas range of competencies approximate percentage of test
constructed-response
roman numeral 5 Pedagogical Content Knowledge 0013 15 percent
this cell intentionally left blank. 15 percent

Subarea 1—U.S. History

Competency 0001–Apply knowledge of major events in U.S. history from the colonial period until 1789.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0002–Apply knowledge of major events in U.S. history from 1789 to 1877.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0003–Apply knowledge of major events in U.S. history from 1877 to the present.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Subarea 2—Geography and Culture

Competency 0004–Apply knowledge of the physical geography of the earth.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0005–Apply knowledge of human geography, the development of human systems, and the development of human culture.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0006–Apply knowledge of the interactions between the environment and climate and human populations.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Subarea 3—Government and Civics

Competency 0007–Apply knowledge of the role of government, different forms of government, and the roles of citizenship.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0008–Apply knowledge of the political and historical foundations of the U.S. government.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0009–Apply knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, the functions of the U.S. government, and the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Subarea 4—Economics and World History

Competency 0010–Apply knowledge of fundamental economic concepts, the organization and operation of the domestic and international economy, and the significance of resources and trade.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0011–Apply knowledge of major political, social, economic, and technological developments in world history prior to the Industrial Revolution.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Competency 0012–Apply knowledge of major political, social, economic, and technological developments in world history since the Industrial Revolution.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics 

Subarea 5—Pedagogical Content Knowledge

Competency 0013–Apply pedagogical content knowledge to design developmentally appropriate instruction to help students achieve a specific, standards-based learning goal in social studies that promotes learning for all students.

 start italics  The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.  enditalics