Preparation Manual

Section 3: Overview and Exam Framework
TX PACT: Core Subjects: Grades 4–8 (790)

Exam Overview

Table outlining the test format, number of questions, time, and passing score.

Exam Name	TX PACT: Core Subjects: Grades 4–8
Exam Code	790
Time	5 hours total appointment time 15 minutes for CAT tutorial and compliance agreement 4 hours and 45 minutes testing time
Number of Questions	200 total selected-response questions English Language Arts and Reading Section: 50 selected-response questions Mathematics Section: 50 selected-response questions Social Studies Section: 50 selected-response questions Science Section: 50 selected-response questions
Format	Computer-administered test (CAT)

The TX PACT: Core Subjects: Grades 4–8 (790) exam is designed to assess whether a test taker has demonstrated the requisite knowledge and skills for admission to an educator preparation program. The 200 selected-response questions are based on the Core Subjects: Grades 4–8 exam framework. Questions on this exam range from grades 4–8. Your final scaled score will be based only on scored questions.

Domains and Competencies

The content covered by this exam is organized into broad areas of content called domains. Each domain covers one or more of the standards for this field. Within each domain, the content is further defined by a set of competencies. Each competency is composed of two major parts:

• The competency statement, which broadly defines what an individual should know and be able to do in order to perform effectively in a Texas-approved educator preparation program.
• The descriptive statements, which describe in greater detail the knowledge and skills eligible for testing.

English Language Arts and Reading

Domain I—Reading Process and Comprehension and Reading in Multiple Subject Areas

Competency 001—Understand the foundations of reading development.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of phonological awareness skills, such as distinguishing word syllables.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of phonemic awareness skills, such as segmenting and blending the component sounds of a word.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts of print and the alphabetic principle.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the role of phonics in promoting reading development.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the role of fluency in reading development, the components of fluency, and the factors that influence fluency.

Competency 002—Understand strategies for developing vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension.

For example:

1. Use knowledge of syntactic rules and word structure and contextual analysis skills to help identify word meanings.
2. Determine the denotative and connotative meanings of words and phrases, including the meanings of synonyms and antonyms.
3. Recognize factors that influence vocabulary development, such as promoting word consciousness and wide reading.
4. Recognize factors that influence reading comprehension, such as vocabulary and reading rate.
5. Recognize an appropriate reading strategy to use for a particular text and purpose.
6. Recognize appropriate research-based reading comprehension strategies to use before, during, and after reading.
7. Recognize appropriate oral and written language activities to use to enhance reading comprehension.
8. Demonstrate knowledge of literal and inferential reading comprehension skills.

Competency 003—Understand strategies for reading in multiple subject areas.

For example:

1. Analyze concepts, themes, and vocabulary that recur in multiple subject areas in various contexts.
2. Examine how the same vocabulary is used in multiple subject areas in various contexts to denote and connote similar and different meanings.
3. Examine how similes, metaphors, and analogies are used to compare and contrast concepts and themes in texts from multiple subject areas.
4. Examine how familiar concepts and themes from one subject area are used to enhance comprehension of unfamiliar concepts and themes from other subject areas.
5. Examine how familiar organizational structures and stylistic features of texts from one subject area are used to enhance comprehension of texts used in other subject areas.

 

Domain II—Reading Various Text Forms and Analyzing and Interpreting Literature

Competency 004—Understand strategies for reading informational texts.

For example:

1. Recognize the characteristics of various types of informational texts, such as newspapers, textbooks, online encyclopedias, and webzines.
2. Use knowledge of the organizational features and structure of an informational text to help enhance comprehension of the text.
3. Identify the main idea, purpose, and intended audience of an informational text.
4. Distinguish between general statements and specific details presented in an informational text.
5. Assess the relevance, importance, and sufficiency of evidence, examples, and reasons provided to explain a concept or process presented in an informational text.
6. Assess the credibility, objectivity, and reliability of various sources used in an informational text.
7. Recognize an accurate summary of an informational text.
8. Interpret graphic features used in informational texts, such as tables, graphs, and charts.

Competency 005—Understand strategies for reading persuasive texts.

For example:

1. Recognize the characteristics of various types of persuasive texts, such as editorials, propaganda, and print and Web pop-up advertisements.
2. Use knowledge of the organizational features and structure of a persuasive text to help enhance comprehension of the text.
3. Identify the main idea, purpose, and intended audience of a persuasive text.
4. Distinguish between facts and opinions presented in a persuasive text.
5. Assess the relevance, importance, and sufficiency of evidence, examples, and reasons provided to support an argument presented in a persuasive text.
6. Assess the credibility, objectivity, and reliability of various sources used in a persuasive text.
7. Analyze the use of rhetorical devices and techniques in a persuasive text, such as repetition, exaggeration, and logical, emotional, and ethical appeals.
8. Interpret graphic features used in persuasive texts, such as photographs and illustrations.

Competency 006—Understand strategies for analyzing and interpreting literary texts.

For example:

1. Recognize the characteristics of various forms of literary texts, such as autobiography, coming-of-age novel, tragedy, epic poem, and sonnet.
2. Analyze the use of rhetorical, dramatic, poetic, and literary devices and techniques, such as analogy, monologue, symbolism, and foreshadowing, in a literary text.
3. Analyze the use of figures of speech, such as simile, metaphor, and personification, in a literary text.
4. Analyze the use of point of view, tone, voice, and mood in a literary text.
5. Analyze the use of structural elements, such as exposition, climax, meter, and stanzas, in a literary text.
6. Analyze word choice and the use of words and word combinations in a literary text.
7. Analyze the use of sound devices, such as alliteration and onomatopoeia, in a literary text.
8. Analyze plot, setting, and characterization in a literary text.
9. Interpret the central idea or theme of a literary text.

Competency 007—Understand the major historical, social, cultural, and political aspects of literatures from around the world.

For example:

1. Examine in literary works references to major historical events and to major social, cultural, and political movements and institutions that have influenced the development of literatures from around the world.
2. Examine in literary works expression of diverse values, attitudes, and ideas of peoples from various regional, ethnic, and cultural groups.
3. Examine how writers from diverse cultural backgrounds and various historical periods have commented on major historical events and influenced public opinion about and understanding of major social, cultural, and political issues through their literary works.
4. Examine how social, cultural, and political issues, such as issues relating to age, gender, ethnicity, and human rights, are explored in classical and contemporary literary works.

 

Domain III—English Language Conventions, Composition, Writing Process, and Research

Competency 008—Understand the conventions of Standard American English and the elements of effective composition.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the conventions of spelling and capitalization to use when developing text.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the conventions of punctuation to use when developing text.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate word usage and grammatical sentence structure to use when developing text.
4. Recognize methods of developing an introduction to a text that draws a reader's attention, specifies a topic, and provides a thesis.
5. Recognize methods of developing the body of a text that presents, emphasizes, links, and contrasts ideas in a clear, concise, and coherent manner.
6. Recognize methods of developing a conclusion to a text that provides a summary or resolution, suggests a course of action, or offers a personal commentary.

Competency 009—Understand the writing process and the elements of effective and appropriate research.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate form of writing to use for a particular purpose and audience.
2. Recognize methods of generating and organizing ideas for writing.
3. Recognize methods of drafting and revising text to show consistent development of a central idea or theme and to eliminate redundancy and distracting details.
4. Recognize methods of editing and proofreading text to generate interest, clarify meaning, and correct grammatical errors.
5. Recognize methods of composing specific, open-ended questions for a research topic.
6. Recognize methods of identifying and locating multiple and various sources of information for a research topic.
7. Recognize methods of assessing the credibility, objectivity, and reliability of sources of information.
8. Recognize methods of incorporating into a text information from sources effectively and appropriately.

 

Domain IV—Modes of Writing

Competency 010—Understand strategies for descriptive writing.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the forms and purposes of descriptive writing, such as expressing personal thoughts and feelings or providing a vivid impression of a person, place, or thing.
2. Recognize methods of selecting an effective organizational approach to use in descriptive writing, such as general-to-specific or spatial order.
3. Recognize methods of generating a list of multiple and various sensory details associated with a subject and of selecting the most important details to incorporate into descriptive writing about the subject.
4. Recognize methods of selecting specific nouns, strong verbs, and effective modifiers that convey precisely the unique aspects of a subject.
5. Recognize methods of using similes and metaphors to draw comparisons and provide a vivid impression of a subject.

Competency 011—Understand strategies for expository writing.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the forms and purposes of expository writing, such as explaining a factual subject, providing information, or reporting an event.
2. Recognize methods of selecting and limiting a subject for expository writing.
3. Recognize methods of formulating a specific question to address through expository writing and of developing a thesis statement that provides a focus for writing.
4. Recognize methods of selecting an effective organizational approach to use in expository writing, such as cause-and-effect, problem-and-solution, or chronological order.
5. Recognize methods of selecting effective and appropriate supporting details to use in expository writing, such as statistics and examples.
6. Recognize methods of developing expository writing that is direct, simple, and succinct.

Competency 012—Understand strategies for persuasive writing.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the forms and purposes of persuasive writing, such as stating an opinion or influencing beliefs.
2. Recognize methods of establishing a clear position or controlling idea in persuasive writing.
3. Recognize methods of selecting an effective organizational approach to use in persuasive writing, such as logical order or order of importance.
4. Recognize methods of selecting effective and appropriate supporting details to use in persuasive writing, such as facts, reasons, and appeals.
5. Recognize methods of anticipating questions, concerns, and counterarguments for points made in persuasive writing and of incorporating effective responses to them into the writing.
6. Recognize methods of selecting a style, tone, voice, and diction to use in persuasive writing that conveys respect for the reader.

 

Domain V—Oral and Visual Communication

Competency 013—Understand strategies for effective listening and speaking and for participating in group discussions.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics and purposes of various types of listening and barriers to listening effectively.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the social norms and conventions involved in interpersonal communication and how these are influenced by factors such as self-concept, cultural or socioeconomic background, age, and gender.
3. Recognize methods of participating actively in conversations and group discussions, such as restating, clarifying, and using nonverbal cues.
4. Recognize methods of incorporating effective and appropriate language styles, rhetorical devices, and vocal techniques into speeches on various topics and for various purposes, audiences, and occasions.

Competency 014—Understand strategies for effective viewing and presenting and for analyzing various media.

For example:

1. Analyze messages, meanings, biases, and themes conveyed through visual images in various media and in various combinations of media.
2. Examine how elements of visual images used in various media can be manipulated to change personal behavior and influence public opinion.
3. Examine how personal experience and prior knowledge can affect an individual's interpretation of visual images in various media.
4. Recognize methods of establishing a clear purpose for a presentation and of organizing and modifying a presentation to correspond to the characteristics of a particular audience.
5. Recognize methods of incorporating effective and appropriate visual images or aids into a presentation and of using effective and appropriate technologies and media to give a presentation.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of legal, ethical, copyright, and source citation issues related to viewing and presenting media.

Mathematics

Domain VI—Number Sense and Operations

Competency 015—Understand numbers.

For example:

1. Analyze the relationships between the subsets of the real numbers.
2. Analyze the role of place value in any number system.
3. Analyze the use of estimation in a variety of situations.
4. Translate between different representations of numbers.
5. Apply number-theory concepts (e.g., divisibility rules, prime factorization, greatest common factors) in problem-solving situations.

Competency 016—Understand operations.

For example:

1. Analyze relational and operational properties.
2. Analyze a variety of conventional and alternative algorithms.
3. Solve a variety of problems involving integers, fractions, and decimals.
4. Solve a variety of problems involving ratios, proportions, and percents.

 

Domain VII—Algebra and Functions

Competency 017—Understand patterns, relations, and functions.

For example:

1. Analyze a variety of patterns.
2. Analyze the properties of relations and functions in multiple representations (e.g., tables, graphs, equations, words).
3. Analyze direct and inverse proportional relationships.
4. Determine the effects of transformations on the graph of a function or relation.

Competency 018—Understand algebraic techniques and applications.

For example:

1. Manipulate algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities (e.g., simplify, transform, factor).
2. Solve linear and nonlinear equations and inequalities.
3. Connect appropriate algebraic notation to phrases and sentences.

Competency 019—Understand linear relations and applications.

For example:

1. Analyze the relationship between a linear equation or inequality and its representations.
2. Solve systems of linear inequalities or equations with a variety of methods.
3. Interpret the meaning of the slope and the y-intercept in various contexts.
4. Analyze a variety of real-world problems involving linear equations, systems, and inequalities.

Competency 020—Understand nonlinear relations and concepts of calculus.

For example:

1. Analyze relationships between multiple representations of a nonlinear equation or inequality.
2. Solve a variety of real-world problems involving nonlinear equations and inequalities.
3. Analyze function behavior in terms of limits, continuity, and rates of change.
4. Apply concepts of calculus to solve problems in real-world situations.

 

Domain VIII—Measurement and Geometry

Competency 021—Understand measurement principles, procedures, and applications.

For example:

1. Analyze the use of various units and unit conversions within the customary and metric systems.
2. Calculate or estimate measures of lengths, areas, and volumes.
3. Apply the concepts of similarity, scale factors, and proportional reasoning to solve indirect measurement problems.
4. Analyze precision, accuracy, and rounding in measurements and computed quantities.

Competency 022—Understand Euclidean geometry in two and three dimensions.

For example:

1. Analyze properties of points, lines, planes, and angles.
2. Use the properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons and circles to solve problems.
3. Apply principles of similarity and congruence.
4. Apply the Pythagorean theorem and its converse.
5. Use nets, cross sections, and projections to analyze three-dimensional figures.
6. Analyze geometric arguments using deductive reasoning.

Competency 023—Understand coordinate and transformational geometry.

For example:

1. Analyze two- and three-dimensional figures using coordinate systems.
2. Connect algebra and geometry by applying concepts of distance, midpoint, and slope to classify figures and solve problems in the coordinate plane.
3. Analyze transformations of figures in the coordinate plane.
4. Analyze figures in terms of symmetry, and tessellations of the plane.

 

Domain IX—Statistics, Probability, and Discrete Mathematics

Competency 024—Understand principles and techniques of statistics.

For example:

1. Analyze the effects of bias and sampling techniques.
2. Use appropriate formats for organizing and displaying data.
3. Analyze univariate and bivariate data in a variety of representations.
4. Make predictions from data presented in a variety of representations.
5. Analyze the use of measures of central tendency and spread.

Competency 025—Understand principles of probability and techniques for determining probability.

For example:

1. Determine probabilities of simple and compound events.
2. Use counting principles to calculate probabilities.
3. Use a variety of visual representations to calculate probabilities.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of methods for simulating probabilities.

Competency 026—Understand principles of discrete mathematics.

For example:

1. Apply concepts of permutations and combinations to solve problems.
2. Analyze sequences and series, including limits and recursive definitions.
3. Use finite graphs and trees to represent problem situations.
4. Apply set theory to solve problems.
5. Apply principles of logic to solve problems (e.g., conditional and biconditional statements, conjunctions, negations).

Social Studies

Domain X—History

Competency 027—Understand historical concepts, terms, sources, perspectives, and research skills.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic historical terms and concepts such as nation-state, theocracy, dynastic cycle, chronology, and periodization.
2. Apply knowledge of basic reference sources used in historical research, including almanacs, information technology, bibliographies, periodical guides, encyclopedias, and biographical dictionaries.
3. Distinguish between primary and secondary sources of historical information.
4. Evaluate the uses and limitations of various historical source materials, including oral histories, newspapers, diaries, artifacts, personal correspondence, archival materials, census data, videos, and materials accessed through information technologies.
5. Analyze cause-and-effect relationships between historical events and developments.
6. Recognize central theses, main ideas, and supporting evidence in various sources of historical information.
7. Distinguish between fact and opinion in historical narratives and interpretations.
8. Draw inferences and conclusions from historical texts and interpretations.
9. Analyze the purpose and perspective of diverse sources of historical information, including potential bias and the assumptions on which historical arguments are based.
10. Interpret graphic representations of historical issues and events found in charts, diagrams, maps, timelines, political cartoons, and graphs.

Competency 028—Understand major developments in world history from the beginnings of human society to 1350 CE.

For example:

1. Examine the Neolithic Revolution and the birth of human civilization, including the growth of agriculture, the domestication of animals, the organization of government, and the emergence of towns.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of major geographic, social, political, economic, and cultural characteristics of early civilizations in Eurasia, Africa, and the Americas to 500 BCE.
3. Analyze major events, developments, characteristics, and contributions of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.
4. Examine the principal beliefs, sacred texts, and historical development of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
5. Examine major geographic, social, political, economic, and cultural characteristics of major civilizations and empires of Asia, Africa, and the Americas between 500 BCE and 1350 CE.
6. Examine major geographic, social, political, economic, and cultural characteristics of the Islamic and Byzantine civilizations.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of the growth, principal features, and decline of medieval civilization in Europe.
8. Recognize the contributions of significant individuals and chronological relationships between major global events to 1350 CE.
9. Analyze major social, economic, and cultural trends in Eurasia, Africa, and the Americas from 4000 BCE to 1350 CE.

Competency 029—Understand major developments in world history from 1350 to 1850.

For example:

1. Examine the origins, major developments, significant individuals, and lasting consequences of the European Renaissance and the Protestant Reformation.
2. Analyze European expansion between 1450 and 1650, including the effects of colonization on Europeans and the indigenous societies they encountered.
3. Examine the central ideas of major thinkers of the Scientific Revolution and the European Enlightenment and the influence of these ideas on events and developments in Europe and the Americas.
4. Analyze the similarities, differences, and consequences of the English, American, and French revolutions and the wars for independence in Latin America.
5. Evaluate economic, social, and political factors related to the emergence and spread of industrialization and the growth of urban centers in Europe.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of major literary, artistic, intellectual, and scientific developments of this period in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
7. Recognize the contributions of significant individuals and chronological relationships between major global events and developments of this period.
8. Analyze major social, economic, and cultural trends in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas from 1350 to 1850.

Competency 030—Understand major developments in world history from 1850 to the present.

For example:

1. Analyze the causes and consequences of European imperialism, including interactions between imperialist powers and the people of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
2. Analyze the causes, major events, and consequences of World War I1, including events and developments related to the Russian Revolution and the rise of totalitarian and authoritarian governments in Europe and Asia.
3. Analyze the origins, major events, and consequences of World War II2.
4. Evaluate major developments and issues related to the process of decolonization in postwar Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the causes, major developments, and consequences of the Cold War, including U.S.-Soviet differences over Eastern Europe, economic and military alliances, the Korean and Vietnam wars, and the collapse of the Soviet Union.
6. Examine major global challenges of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, including environmental degradation, terrorism, limited natural resource supplies, and economic imbalances among the world's peoples.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of major literary, artistic, intellectual, and scientific developments of this period in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
8. Recognize the contributions of significant individuals and chronological relationships between major global events and developments of this period.
9. Analyze major social, economic, and cultural trends in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas from 1850 to the present.

Competency 031—Understand major developments in early U.S. history from the precontact period to 1789.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of important social, economic, and political features of major Native American cultures at the time of their first contact with Europeans.
2. Examine major events and developments related to European exploration of North America.
3. Analyze coexistence and conflict between Europeans and Native Americans, including differences in beliefs, values, and attitudes.
4. Analyze economic, social, political, and cultural developments in Great Britain's North American colonies, including the growth of slavery and similarities and differences between the New England, mid-Atlantic, and southern colonies.
5. Examine the French and Indian War and the major causes, events, and consequences of the Revolutionary War.
6. Analyze the growth of the trans-Appalachian West, including the settlement of the Ohio River valley and the Northwest Territory.
7. Analyze the evolution of national and state governments during and after the Revolution, including problems under the Articles of Confederation and major debates and compromises in the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
8. Recognize the contributions of significant individuals and chronological relationships between major events and developments in U.S. history during this period.
9. Analyze major social, economic, and cultural trends in the colonies and the new nation from the beginnings of settlement to 1789.

Competency 032—Understand major developments in U.S. history from 1789 to 1877.

For example:

1. Examine major political and constitutional developments of the early national and Jacksonian eras.
2. Analyze events and developments related to westward expansion, including the impact of western settlement and growth on the Native American peoples.
3. Analyze the causes and consequences of economic growth, industrialization, immigration, and the development of a national market economy during the first half of the nineteenth century.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of major events and developments in U.S. foreign relations during this period, including the War of 1812, the Monroe Doctrine, and the Mexican War.
5. Analyze events and developments related to the spread of slavery and the evolution of a distinctive African American culture.
6. Assess the origins and objectives of major reform movements of the period and the activities and achievements of key reformers.
7. Analyze the principal causes, significant events, and major developments of the Civil War and Reconstruction.
8. Demonstrate knowledge of major developments in literature, the arts, popular culture, science, and technology in the United States from 1789 to 1877.
9. Recognize the contributions of significant individuals and chronological relationships between major events and developments in U.S. history during this period.

Competency 033—Understand major developments in U.S. history from 1877 to 1929.

For example:

1. Examine the settlement of the western United States and the consequences of expanding settlement for Native Americans.
2. Analyze the industrialization of the U.S. economy and the clash between industrial capitalism and organized labor.
3. Examine immigration to the United States after the Civil War and the impact of immigration and urbanization on U.S. society.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the racial division of southern society after 1877, including the enactment of Jim Crow laws; racial segregation and discrimination in the North; and the efforts of African Americans to resist segregation, disenfranchisement, and violence.
5. Examine the economic, political, and social development of the United States during the Progressive Era, and the impact of Progressive reforms on U.S. society.
6. Analyze the rise of the United States as a world power, key issues in the debate over U.S. expansionism, and the causes and consequences of U.S. participation in World War I1.
7. Examine major social, economic, political, and cultural events and developments of the 1920s, including the woman suffrage movement, Prohibition, and the Harlem Renaissance.
8. Demonstrate knowledge of major developments in literature, the arts, popular culture, science, and technology in the United States from 1877 to 1929.
9. Recognize the contributions of significant individuals and chronological relationships between major events and developments in U.S. history during this period.

Competency 034—Understand major developments in U.S. history from 1929 to the present.

For example:

1. Analyze the causes of the Great Depression and the government response to economic collapse and social dislocation during the 1930s.
2. Examine major events and developments related to U.S. participation in World War II2, including war mobilization and the impact of the war on the U.S. economy and society.
3. Analyze major events and developments in U.S. foreign policy from the beginnings of the Cold War to the Iraq war.
4. Analyze major social and economic developments in the United States since 1945, including the postwar economic boom, deindustrialization, and economic globalization.
5. Analyze major political and constitutional developments in the United States since 1945.
6. Examine the goals, strategies, and achievements of the struggle for African American equality and other major social and political movements of the post–World War II2 period in the United States.
7. Analyze immigration to the United States and changes to U.S. immigration policy during this period.
8. Demonstrate knowledge of major developments in literature, the arts, popular culture, science, and technology in the United States from 1929 to the present.
9. Recognize the contributions of significant individuals and chronological relationships between major events and developments in U.S. history during this period.

 

Domain XI—Geography and Culture

Competency 035—Understand geographic terms, concepts, sources, and research skills.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the five fundamental geographic themes (i.e., location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, and region).
2. Apply the six essential elements of geography (i.e., the world in spatial terms, places and regions, physical systems, human systems, environment and society, and the uses of geography).
3. Apply basic geographic terms and concepts such as habitat, ecology, interdependence, assimilation, demographic cycle, and cultural diffusion.
4. Recognize basic characteristics of maps and globes and the advantages and disadvantages of standard map projections.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics and uses of various geographic reference sources, tools, and technologies.
6. Interpret geographic information presented in various visual formats.
7. Apply skills and procedures used in geographic research, including formulating appropriate research questions, identifying main ideas, analyzing cause-and-effect relationships, and drawing conclusions.

Competency 036—Understand physical features, physical systems, and the interaction between the environment and human societies.

For example:

1. Recognize major landmasses, significant landforms, and important bodies of water in the United States and in other parts of the world.
2. Recognize various types of physical features such as gulfs, deltas, capes, isthmuses, peninsulas, and archipelagoes.
3. Recognize the principal elements of climate and major global and regional climatic patterns.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the ways physical processes shape the physical features of the earth.
5. Recognize the location, distribution, and uses of natural resources in the United States and throughout the world, and the influence of natural resources on human populations.
6. Analyze ways human societies modify the physical environment and adapt to environmental change, including the role of technological innovation and development in the creation and solution of environmental problems.
7. Analyze the effects of physical factors such as climate and topography on the development and characteristics of human societies.
8. Demonstrate knowledge of the causes and effects of current environmental problems such as global warming and tropical deforestation.
9. Examine how geographic factors have influenced historical events and developments.

Competency 037—Understand human systems.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the linguistic, social, religious, economic, and political features of contemporary cultural groups in major world regions.
2. Analyze the diffusion of ideas, beliefs, and cultural traits from one culture to another.
3. Examine historical and contemporary patterns of human settlement and how human settlements have changed over time.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the distribution of the world's human population, the reasons for population growth and decline, the causes and consequences of human migrations, and contemporary trends in world population.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of how social institutions function within societies, including their roles in promoting socialization and maintaining social control.
6. Analyze how cooperation and conflict shape cultural interactions, create political divisions, and influence control of the earth's resources.

 

Domain XII—Government

Competency 038—Understand political science concepts, terms, perspectives, and research skills.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic political science terms and concepts, such as gerrymandering, enumerated and implied powers, sovereignty, judicial review, balance of power, and social contract theory.
2. Analyze the emergence and spread of democratic and representative government.
3. Recognize major characteristics of various systems of government, and similarities and differences between the political system of the United States and other contemporary and historical political systems.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics and uses of various political science reference sources and research tools.
5. Interpret historical and contemporary political science information represented in various visual and graphic formats.
6. Apply skills and procedures used in political science research, including formulating appropriate research questions, collecting and presenting information, and drawing conclusions.

Competency 039—Understand the foundations of U.S. government, the U.S. political process, and the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.

For example:

1. Analyze major principles and ideas contained in key documents of the United States, including the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers, the Seneca Falls Declaration of 1848, and the Gettysburg Address.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles, key articles, and significant amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
3. Analyze the significance of landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions, including Marbury v. Madison, Brown v. Board of Education, and United States v. Nixon.
4. Examine the major features of the U.S. electoral system, the ways citizens participate in the political process, and the skills needed for effective participation in public affairs.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.
6. Analyze developments and events in U.S. history that have increased or diminished individual rights and popular participation in the political process.

Competency 040—Understand the structure, organization, and operation of different levels of government in the United States.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the organization and responsibilities of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government.
2. Analyze the ways in which the constitutional principles of separation of powers and checks and balances influence the operation of the federal government.
3. Examine how laws are enacted at the federal and state levels of government in the United States, including the role of lobbyists and special interest groups in the legislative process.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental features of the U.S. legal and criminal justice systems.
5. Examine how U.S. foreign policy is made, the roles of the president and Congress in the foreign policy process, and factors influencing the formulation of U.S. foreign policy.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and functions of state and local governments in the United States, and the ways in which federal, state, and local governments divide and share power and responsibility.

 

Domain XIII—Economics

Competency 041—Understand basic economic concepts, microeconomics, and consumer economics and personal finance.

For example:

1. Apply basic economic terms and concepts, such as scarcity, the laws of supply and demand, opportunity cost, economic incentives, inflation, and recession.
2. Compare fundamental features of traditional, market, command, and mixed economic systems.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the factors of production (i.e., land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship) and how they are combined to produce goods and services.
4. Analyze the organization and operation of market economies, including the roles of entrepreneurs, competition, prices, and the laws of supply and demand.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of basic forms of business organization and of factors affecting business operations and decisions.
6. Apply basic principles of consumer economics to accessing information, evaluating advertising claims and marketing promotions, making purchases, and utilizing consumer protection laws.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles of personal finance, budgeting, credit, and savings and investment.

Competency 042—Understand macroeconomics and international economics.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the major components of the U.S. economic system, including banks, financial markets, labor unions, corporations, and consumers.
2. Analyze the causes and effects of unemployment, inflation and deflation, and factors influencing the business cycle.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of how fiscal policy influences economic activity.
4. Recognize the functions of monetary policy and the role of the Federal Reserve System in regulating the nation's money supply and moderating inflation and recession.
5. Analyze how government regulation influences financial and business operations, protects workers, and affects consumers.
6. Analyze the reaction of the federal government to economic crises in U.S. history.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles of international economics and of factors influencing the operation of the international economic system.

Science

Domain XIV—Nature of Science

Competency 043—Understand principles and procedures of scientific inquiry.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and procedures for designing and carrying out scientific investigations.
2. Recognize methods and criteria for collecting, organizing, analyzing, and presenting scientific data.
3. Recognize the evidential basis of scientific claims.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of safety procedures and hazards associated with scientific investigations.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the materials, equipment, and technology used in the sciences.
6. Apply basic mathematical procedures in reporting data and solving problems in the sciences.

Competency 044—Understand the history and nature of science.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the historical development of major scientific ideas.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of current major theories, models, and concepts in physical science, life science, and Earth and space science.
3. Identify unifying themes, principles, and relationships that connect the different branches of the sciences.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of science as a system of inquiry.

Competency 045—Understand the relationships between science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and society.

For example:

1. Analyze the interrelationships between science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and society.
2. Demonstrate scientific literacy in evaluating scientific research and the coverage of science in the media.
3. Analyze social, economic, and ethical issues associated with technological and scientific developments.

 

Domain XV—Physical Science

Competency 046—Understand the properties and characteristics of matter.

For example:

1. Recognize historic and contemporary theories of atomic structure and the kinetic theory of matter.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of matter.
3. Recognize the characteristics of different types of chemical bonds and their effects on the properties of matter.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the organization of the periodic table and its relationship to the structure and behavior of elements.
5. Recognize the characteristics of elements, compounds, and mixtures, including solutions, suspensions, and colloids.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of radioactive materials.

Competency 047—Understand physical and chemical changes in matter.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the conservation of matter in chemical reactions and in balancing chemical equations.
2. Apply knowledge of chemical formulas, the mole concept, and chemical equations to solve problems.
3. Analyze phase changes and the characteristics of the different states of matter.
4. Recognize the characteristics of different types of chemical reactions and factors that affect rates of reaction and chemical equilibrium.

Competency 048—Understand the characteristics and transformations of different forms of energy.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of different forms of energy and their transformations.
2. Apply knowledge of the law of conservation of energy to the analysis of physical and chemical changes.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of thermal energy and the transfer of energy through conduction, convection, and radiation.
4. Analyze characteristics of electric charge, static electricity, Ohm's law, and series and parallel circuits.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between magnetism and electricity as well as the properties of permanent magnets.

Competency 049—Understand relationships between force, mass, and motion.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of Newton's three laws of motion in a variety of situations.
2. Solve problems involving force, mass, and motion, including the interpretation of force diagrams.
3. Apply knowledge of gravity, friction, pressure, and buoyancy, in a variety of situations.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of work and power, including as applied to simple machines.

Competency 050—Understand characteristics and properties of mechanical and electromagnetic waves.

For example:

1. Apply knowledge of the characteristics of mechanical waves and their behavior as they pass through different media.
2. Analyze the properties and propagation of sound in a variety of situations.
3. Recognize the characteristics of the electromagnetic spectrum.
4. Analyze the effects of mirrors, lenses, and prisms on the behavior of light.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of refraction and reflection in natural phenomena.

 

Domain XVI—Life Science

Competency 051—Understand the characteristics, organization, and processes of cells.

For example:

1. Analyze the structure and function of cell organelles in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
2. Analyze the processes of respiration and photosynthesis at the cellular level.
3. Recognize how the structure of specialized cells relates to their different functions.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of mitosis and meiosis.

Competency 052—Understand characteristics and life processes of living organisms.

For example:

1. Analyze the reproduction, development, and life cycles of representative organisms.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the structures and functions of plant and animal systems, including the different levels of biological organization.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the structures and functions of human body systems.
4. Analyze how organisms obtain, use, and store matter and energy.
5. Analyze how organisms both maintain homeostasis and fight diseases.

Competency 053—Understand the concepts and principles related to genetics, the theory of evolution, and the classification of organisms.

For example:

1. Recognize the basic principles of heredity, the nature of the genetic code, the basic processes of DNA replication and protein synthesis, and the methods and uses of genetic engineering.
2. Apply knowledge of the principles and evidence of biological evolution to explain how species change over time.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the major events in the history of life, including mass extinctions and the evolution of organisms that characterize specific periods in Earth's history.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of biological classification.

Competency 054—Understand characteristics of different biomes, relationships between organisms, population dynamics, and the flow of matter and energy through ecosystems.

For example:

1. Recognize the characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic biomes, including representative species of plants and animals that inhabit them.
2. Analyze the relationships between organisms in a variety of ecosystems.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of biotic and abiotic factors that affect population dynamics in ecosystems, including competition, resource availability, and niche and habitat requirements.
4. Recognize the ways both human activities and climate change affect ecosystems.
5. Recognize strategies used by different organisms to obtain the basic needs for life.
6. Analyze the cycling of matter and the flow of energy through different types of ecosystems.

 

Domain XVII—Earth and Space Science

Competency 055—Understand the history of Earth, characteristics of Earth materials and resources, and the geologic processes that shape Earth.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of Earth's formation, history, and structure, as well as the supporting geologic evidence.
2. Analyze tectonic processes, the mechanisms driving plate movements, and the landforms and geologic phenomena produced by movement at plate boundaries.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the processes involved in the rock cycle and of the characteristics of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
4. Analyze the constructive and destructive processes that shape Earth's surface, including weathering, erosion, transportation, and deposition.
5. Recognize the characteristics and origins of common rocks, minerals, and fossils, as well as mineral, geothermal, and fossil fuel resources.

Competency 056—Understand characteristics and properties of the hydrosphere.

For example:

1. Analyze the physical processes of the hydrologic cycle.
2. Identify the processes and characteristics of marine and freshwater systems, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and glaciers.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of groundwater aquifers as well as their use and recharge.
4. Analyze coastal processes, the formation of barrier islands, and the physical characteristics of deltas and estuaries.

Competency 057—Understand Earth's atmosphere, weather, and climate.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and characteristics of the different layers of the atmosphere.
2. Analyze atmospheric conditions and geographic factors that produce weather in different parts of the world.
3. Analyze weather maps and data to predict and explain weather events.
4. Recognize factors controlling regional climate conditions and the causes for the changes in climate that occurred during the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs.
5. Recognize how current changes in global climate are affecting ecosystems, the hydrosphere, coastal processes, and agriculture.

Competency 058—Understand characteristics of the solar system and the universe.

For example:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of objects in the solar system.
2. Analyze the interactions of the sun, moon, and Earth and the effects of these interactions on Earth.
3. Recognize the characteristics and evolution of stars and galaxies, including theories on the origin and nature of the universe.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of evidence supporting the current understanding of the solar system and universe and of the technology used to gather that evidence.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the role of gravity in the solar system and the universe.

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