Civic Education Benchmarks: Grades K-3

Go to Benchmarks for Grades 4-5 | 6-8 | 9-12

Civic education benchmarks in Delaware have been designed to cover four basic categories of understanding with respect to civics for grades K-12: government, politics, citizenship, and participation.

Benchmarks for Grades K-3

Civics 1 (Government)

  • Understand that leaders are sometimes chosen by election, and that elected officials are expected to represent the interests of the people who elected them.
  • Understand that positions of authority, whether elected, appointed, or familial, carry responsibilities and should be respected.

Civics 2 (Politics)

  • Understand that respect for others, their opinions, and their property is a foundation of civil society in the United States.

Civics 3 (Citizenship)

  • Understand that American citizens have distinct responsibilities (such as voting), rights (such as free speech and freedom of religion), and privileges (such as driving).

Civics 4 (Participation)

  • Acquire the skills necessary for participating in a group, including defining an objective, dividing responsibilities, and working cooperatively.