North Carolina history is explicitly taught in public schools in the fourth and eighth grades. The following are standards set by the Department of Public Instruction. One motivation for these lessons was dissatisfaction with the standards, especially because they emphasize conflict and oppression. We believe, for example, that North Carolina’s history is also about people overcoming difficult circumstances and helping others out of difficulties. While many of our lessons meet the department’s standards, we want to give the children of North Carolina a broader picture of their state’s history, as many of our lessons do.

Fourth Grade

The following are the standards set by the Department of Public Instruction for History under the Social Studies standards for the fourth grade. (Source: Department of Public Instruction, Standard 4.H.1)

4.H.1 Understand the role of various people, events, and ideas in shaping North Carolina.

  • 4.H.1.2 Summarize the changing roles of women, indigenous populations and racial groups throughout the history of North Carolina.
  • 4.H.1.3 Explain the ways in which revolution, reform, and resistance have shaped North Carolina.
  • 4.H.1.4 Summarize the role North Carolina has played in major conflicts and events throughout the history of America.
  • 4.H.1.5 Use primary and secondary sources to compare multiple perspectives of various historical events in North Carolina.
  • 4.H.1.6 Explain the significance of historical symbols in North Carolina from various perspectives.

Eighth Grade

The following are the standards set by the Department of Public Instruction for History under the Social Studies standards for 8th grade. (Source: Department of Public Instruction, Standards 8.H.1. and 8.H.2.)

8.H.1 Understand the role of conflict and cooperation in the development of North Carolina and the nation.

• 8.H.1.1 Explain the causes and effects of conflict in North Carolina and the nation.

  • 8.H.1.2 Summarize how debate, negotiation, compromise and cooperation have been used in the history of North Carolina and the nation.
  • 8.H.1.3 Explain how slavery, segregation, voter suppression, reconcentration, and other discriminatory practices have been used to suppress and exploit certain groups within North Carolina and the nation over time.

8.H.2 Understand how innovation and change have impacted the development of North Carolina and the nation.

  • 8.H.2.1 Explain how innovation and technology have contributed to change in North Carolina and the nation.
  • 8.H.2.2 Explain the influences of individuals and groups during times of innovation and change in North Carolina and the nation.
  • 8.H.2.3 Explain how the experiences and achievements of women, minorities, indigenous, and marginalized groups have contributed to the development of North Carolina and the nation over time.