53E-4-205.3. Elementary social studies education.

277 words·~1 min read·/ut/title-53e/chapter-4/53e-4-205-3·

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Effective 7/1/2026

(1)As used in this section:

(a)"Elementary grades" or "elementary grade level" means kindergarten through grade 6.

(b)"Integrated instruction" means teaching that purposefully connects social studies content with other subject areas.

(c)"Social studies" means the integrated study of history, geography, civics, and economics as outlined in the state board's standards for social studies.

(2)The board shall make rules in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, establishing standards to ensure that LEAs provide regular social studies instruction in each elementary grade level.

(3)The state superintendent shall:

(a)develop guidelines for integrating, where appropriate, social studies instruction with English language arts and mathematics;

(b)develop and maintain a repository of social studies instructional materials and resources;

(c)establish criteria for qualifying integrated instruction; and

(d)develop methods to measure student progress in social studies learning.

(4)An LEA shall:

(a)ensure that students in elementary grades receive regular social studies instruction required in Subsection

(2);

(b)in accordance with Section 53G-10-304 , adopt social studies curricula that meet state standards;

(c)ensure all elementary students have access to appropriate social studies materials;

(d)provide resources to support integrated instruction;

(e)ensure that elementary teachers receive ongoing professional development in social studies instruction, including integrated instruction;

(f)regularly assess student progress in social studies; and

(g)use data to inform instruction and support.

(5)An LEA shall implement all requirements of this section by July 1, 2031.

(6)Upon request, the board shall report to the Education Interim Committee on implementation progress and initial outcomes.

Enacted by Chapter 413 , 2026 General Session