Date: 03/20/2026
To: High School
From: Dessie Olson, Social Studies Specialist
Adam Eskelson, Director, Social Studies
Tiffany Hall, Executive Director, Teaching and Learning
Subject: Social Studies Graduation Requirements
Summary:
Social studies graduation requirements will increase from 3.0 to 3.5 for students in grade 10 starting in 2026-2027. This will also reduce required elective credits to 5.0 from 5.5. The significant information as of now follows:
New Social Studies Graduation Requirement
- The new requirement will affect students entering grade 10 starting in 2026-2027.
- Requirements for graduating students in 2026 and 2027 are unchanged.
- Standards are being written for a new 1.0 course called American Constitutional Government and Citizenship to meet the new graduation requirement.
- We will create course offerings and codes once the standards are approved.
- You may review the USBE FAQ for more information.
- Updates will be provided as they become available.
Rationale:
These changes meet the requirements of HB381.
Expectations for Implementation:
- Communication
- Principals are responsible to share this information with students, parents, faculty, counselors, and others who are impacted in the school community.
- Principals should plan for changes in scheduling and potentially FTE prior to offering the new course when it becomes available.
- Additional communication support will be available as we recieve information.
- Collaboration:
- Dessie Olson, Social Studies Specialist dessie.olson@slcschools.org
- Evaluation
- Successful communication with the school community including incoming freshman, current students, parents, and faculty.
Keywords: graduation requirement, social studies, FTE, HB381
| Year | Social Studies Credits for Graduation | |
| 2026-27 | No change for Juniors or Seniors – 3.0 credits | All Freshman and Sophomores will need 3.5 credits |
| 2027-28 | Seniors – 3.0 credits | All Freshmen-Juniors need 3.5 credits |
| 2028-29 | Everyone needs 3.5 credits | |
