Section 27.240  Political Science

 

By October 1, 2024, all candidates for an endorsement in Social Science-Political Science will be required to complete a program aligned to the NCSS National Standards for the Preparation of Social Studies Teachers (2017), published by the National Council for the Social Studies, 8555 Sixteenth Street, Silver Spring MD 20910, and available at https://www.socialstudies.org/standards/teacherstandards. (No later amendments to or editions of these guidelines are incorporated.)  The standards effective until September 30, 2024 are as follows:

 

a)         In addition to the standards for all social science teachers that are set forth in Section 27.200, those who specialize in the teaching of political science shall be required to meet the standards described in this Section.

 

b)         The competent political science teacher understands the scope and major issues in the academic discipline of political science.

 

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent political science teacher:

 

A)        understands the major subjects of study in political science (e.g., constitutional law, political history, political philosophy, and political sociology).

 

B)        understands the ideas and impact of major figures in the history of political philosophy (e.g., Aristotle, Locke, Madison, Marx, Mill).

 

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent political science teacher:

 

A)        explains the multiple perspectives associated with political philosophy.

 

B)        demonstrates political science skills (e.g., opinion measurement, issue analysis, and constitutional interpretation).

 

c)         The competent political science teacher understands the essential elements of various political systems.

 

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent political science teacher:

 

A)        understands the development of democratic, authoritarian, and totalitarian systems, with an emphasis on the 20th century.

 

B)        understands the similarities and differences between the United States political system and those of other nations.

 

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent political science teacher:

 

A)        explains the nature and purpose of constitutions in various democratic, authoritarian, and totalitarian political systems.

 

B)        evaluates the arguments regarding the strengths and weaknesses of federal, confederate, and unitary systems.

 

d)         The competent political science teacher understands the development of the United States and Illinois Constitutions.

 

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent political science teacher:

 

A)        understands amendments and other developments since the ratification of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights affecting basic principles (e.g., separation of power, judicial review, federalism, selection of officials, and the rights of persons).

 

B)        understands amendments and other developments since the ratification of the Illinois Constitution.

 

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent political science teacher:

 

A)        explains the historic background, political principles, major events, basic issues, and significant individuals associated with the writing and ratification of the United States Constitution.

 

B)        explains the changes made in the Illinois Constitution in 1970.

 

e)         The competent political science teacher understands the organization and functions of government at the national, State, and local levels.

 

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent political science teacher:

 

A)        understands the organization and financing of governmental functions at local, State, and national levels.

 

B)        understands the sharing of governmental functions between the various levels of government by means of intergovernmental relations.

 

C)        understands the organization and function of courts at all levels.

 

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent political science teacher:

 

A)        analyzes the role of government in the society and the economy.

 

B)        identifies important events that changed significantly the regulatory, welfare, and other functions of government.

 

C)        analyzes the impact of court rulings on local, State, and national governments.

 

f)         The competent political science teacher understands the elements that shape public policy in the United States and other nations.

 

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent political science teacher:

 

A)        understands governmental agencies' role in implementing and developing public policy.

 

B)        understands the multiple roles of the president of the United States and State governors and the role of heads of government in other countries in setting policy.

 

C)        understands the policy-setting role of legislatures and their committees in the United States in contrast to other countries.

 

D)        understands the policy role of courts in the United States in contrast with the role of courts in other countries.

 

E)        understands the influence of active citizens, interest groups, and political partisans on formation of public policy.

 

F)         understands the influence of public opinion and the mass media in the development of public policy.

 

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent political science teacher:

 

A)        analyzes the influence of individuals and groups on the formation and implementation of public policy.

 

B)        evaluates the shaping of public policy in terms of basic principles (e.g., representation, democracy, and public interest).

 

g)         The competent political science teacher understands political parties, civic participation, and the electoral process in the United States.

 

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent political science teacher:

 

A)        understands the history of political parties.

 

B)        understands the laws affecting registration and voting, organization of political parties, and campaign finance.

 

C)        understands the opportunities for participation in government and politics (e.g., political parties, campaigns, and involvement in groups concerned with public policy).

 

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent political science teacher:

 

A)        evaluates motivations for participation and non-participation in civic affairs.

 

B)        identifies important events, groups, and individuals in the evolution of American political parties.

 

h)         The competent political science teacher understands the rule of law and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

 

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent political science teacher:

 

A)        understands the degree to which citizens' rights have been expanded over time by constitutional means.

 

B)        understands the categories of the law (e.g., common, civil, and criminal).

 

C)        understands landmark documents and events in the development of the rule of law.

 

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent political science teacher:

 

A)        identifies ways a competent, responsible citizen functions in a democratic society.

 

B)        analyzes historic and current issues regarding the balance between rights and responsibilities, and between personal freedom and community needs and laws.

 

i)          The competent political science teacher understands international relations and organizations and America's global connections.

 

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent political science teacher:

 

A)        understands international organizations and American involvement with them.

 

B)        understands the influence of national political systems and domestic politics on foreign policy with an emphasis on the United States.

 

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent political science teacher:

 

A)        analyzes the conditions, actions, and motivations that contribute to conflict and cooperation among nations.

 

B)        identifies major events in the emergence of the United States as a world leader.

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 8630, effective May 12, 2020)