Washington State Government and History examines Washington history from native and European contact to the present. The study of Washington state includes an examination of the state constitution, key treaties, and tribal sovereignty issues, including the study of migration, differing cultural experiences, and human interactions with the environment. High school completion credit only. Students may earn 0.25-0.50 HS credit This course may be repeated.
Prerequisites
Students must be referred from participating school district and registered in a Basic Skills Open Doors class.
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or skills:
1. Delineates how Washington’s geography impacts industry and population development in distinct regions of Washington state.
2. Identifies eras and major historical events in Washington state history from different cultural perspectives, including those of indigenous people.
3. Comprehends the structure of fundamental documents, including the Washington state constitution, and the student understands the organization of government at the local, state, and tribal levels.
4. Illustrates how social movements, technological developments, and cultural and ethnic groups have shaped Washington state’s history.
Required topics include:
•The geographic features of Washington state
•Washington statehood and constitution
•Washington state government at the local, state, and tribal levels
•Tribal sovereignty in Washington state
Include at least two of the following topics to expand student learning
•Lewis and Clark exploration
•The Oregon Trail
•Railroad expansion
•Washington state agriculture
•Grand Coulee Dam and Irrigation District development
•Other topics as approved by the department
Under RCW 28A.320.170 Washington requires that all common schools incorporate Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty in Washington State into their core social studies curriculum.