Schools can enhance social studies instruction with the C3 Framework

While many academic subjects will be affected by the Common Core State Standards, their primary focus is on English language arts and mathematics. However, literacy standards for history, social studies, science and technical subjects are available, according to the CCSS' website, but they fall under English language arts. Students are expected to master such skills as citing specific textual evidence, as well as evaluating an author's claims.

However, if social studies educators feel as though the Common Core's literacy standards do not place enough focus on essential knowledge and skills students need to know, they can adopt The College, Career and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards.

Developed by the National Council for the Social Studies, the C3 Framework is designed to inform teachers of the concepts, skills and disciplinary tools they need to be aware of to prepare their students for college and the workforce, according to the NCSS' website. Social studies teachers and experts were among those who played a role in the creation of the Social Studies Standards.

The C3 Framework is not mandatory, and instead serves as supplemental guidance that can be integrated into CCSS-aligned instruction.