WGU D674 Task 1 | Elementary Social Studies
Methods
Performance Assessment Examination
2026–2027 Update | 40 Questions
Abstract
This performance assessment examination is designed for teacher candidates
preparing for the WGU D674 Elementary Social Studies Methods Task 1
assessment. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions organized across
four domains aligned with the C3 Framework (NCSS), InTASC Model Core
Teaching Standards, CAEP 2026–2027 Standards, and WGU Elementary
Education competencies. The four sections address: (1) C3 Framework
integration and standards alignment; (2) inquiry-based instruction and primary
source analysis; (3) culturally responsive pedagogy and inclusive curriculum
design; and (4) assessment strategies, formative feedback, and differentiation in
social studies. Questions are distributed across cognitive levels (30% recall, 50%
application, 20% analysis) with 75% scenario-based elementary classroom
vignettes and 25% direct standards knowledge items. Each question includes a
detailed rationale aligned to the WGU D674 Task 1 rubric.
Keywords: C3 Framework, Elementary Social Studies, WGU D674, Culturally
Responsive Pedagogy, Inquiry-Based Instruction, Formative Assessment, Primary
Source Analysis, Standards Alignment
WGU Elementary Education Program
Teacher Preparation & Elementary Education Division
Date: April 5, 2026
, WGU D674 Task 1 | Elementary Social Studies Methods | Performance Assessment Exam
Aligned with: CAEP 2026–2027 Standards | NCSS C3 Framework | InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards |
WGU Elementary Education Competencies
Page 1
, WGU D674 Task 1 | Elementary Social Studies Methods | Performance Assessment Exam
Table of Contents
Section Title Questions
1 C3 Framework, State Standards Alignment & Learning Objectives Q1–Q8
2 Inquiry-Based Instruction, Questioning Techniques & Primary Source Analysis Q9–Q18
3 Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Equity & Inclusive Curriculum Design Q19–Q28
4 Assessment Strategies, Formative Feedback & Differentiation Q29–Q40
Examination Overview
This examination contains 40 multiple-choice questions organized into four content
sections. Each question has four answer options (A–D) with exactly one correct answer.
The cognitive level distribution is: 30% recall, 50% application, and 20% analysis.
Approximately 75% of questions are presented as scenario-based elementary classroom
vignettes, and 25% assess direct standards and methods knowledge. All questions include
comprehensive rationales that explain the correct answer and identify why the distractors
are incorrect, aligned to the WGU D674 Task 1 rubric criteria.
Section 1: C3 Framework, State Standards Alignment &
Learning Objectives (Q1–Q8)
Q1: According to the C3 Framework developed by NCSS, which of the following best
describes the primary purpose of Dimension 1 (Developing Questions and Planning
Inquiries)?
A. To provide students with a predetermined list of facts to memorize about historical events
B. To engage students in formulating compelling and supporting questions that drive
inquiry-based investigations [CORRECT]
C. To assess student knowledge through standardized multiple-choice testing aligned to state
standards
D. To ensure that all social studies instruction follows a chronological sequence of historical
periods
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dimension 1 of the C3 Framework emphasizes the development of compelling questions
that spark curiosity and supporting questions that guide the inquiry process. Options A and D
reflect passive learning approaches inconsistent with the C3 Framework, while Option C describes
assessment rather than inquiry design. The C3 Framework centers student-generated questions as
the engine of social studies learning.
Page 2
Methods
Performance Assessment Examination
2026–2027 Update | 40 Questions
Abstract
This performance assessment examination is designed for teacher candidates
preparing for the WGU D674 Elementary Social Studies Methods Task 1
assessment. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions organized across
four domains aligned with the C3 Framework (NCSS), InTASC Model Core
Teaching Standards, CAEP 2026–2027 Standards, and WGU Elementary
Education competencies. The four sections address: (1) C3 Framework
integration and standards alignment; (2) inquiry-based instruction and primary
source analysis; (3) culturally responsive pedagogy and inclusive curriculum
design; and (4) assessment strategies, formative feedback, and differentiation in
social studies. Questions are distributed across cognitive levels (30% recall, 50%
application, 20% analysis) with 75% scenario-based elementary classroom
vignettes and 25% direct standards knowledge items. Each question includes a
detailed rationale aligned to the WGU D674 Task 1 rubric.
Keywords: C3 Framework, Elementary Social Studies, WGU D674, Culturally
Responsive Pedagogy, Inquiry-Based Instruction, Formative Assessment, Primary
Source Analysis, Standards Alignment
WGU Elementary Education Program
Teacher Preparation & Elementary Education Division
Date: April 5, 2026
, WGU D674 Task 1 | Elementary Social Studies Methods | Performance Assessment Exam
Aligned with: CAEP 2026–2027 Standards | NCSS C3 Framework | InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards |
WGU Elementary Education Competencies
Page 1
, WGU D674 Task 1 | Elementary Social Studies Methods | Performance Assessment Exam
Table of Contents
Section Title Questions
1 C3 Framework, State Standards Alignment & Learning Objectives Q1–Q8
2 Inquiry-Based Instruction, Questioning Techniques & Primary Source Analysis Q9–Q18
3 Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Equity & Inclusive Curriculum Design Q19–Q28
4 Assessment Strategies, Formative Feedback & Differentiation Q29–Q40
Examination Overview
This examination contains 40 multiple-choice questions organized into four content
sections. Each question has four answer options (A–D) with exactly one correct answer.
The cognitive level distribution is: 30% recall, 50% application, and 20% analysis.
Approximately 75% of questions are presented as scenario-based elementary classroom
vignettes, and 25% assess direct standards and methods knowledge. All questions include
comprehensive rationales that explain the correct answer and identify why the distractors
are incorrect, aligned to the WGU D674 Task 1 rubric criteria.
Section 1: C3 Framework, State Standards Alignment &
Learning Objectives (Q1–Q8)
Q1: According to the C3 Framework developed by NCSS, which of the following best
describes the primary purpose of Dimension 1 (Developing Questions and Planning
Inquiries)?
A. To provide students with a predetermined list of facts to memorize about historical events
B. To engage students in formulating compelling and supporting questions that drive
inquiry-based investigations [CORRECT]
C. To assess student knowledge through standardized multiple-choice testing aligned to state
standards
D. To ensure that all social studies instruction follows a chronological sequence of historical
periods
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dimension 1 of the C3 Framework emphasizes the development of compelling questions
that spark curiosity and supporting questions that guide the inquiry process. Options A and D
reflect passive learning approaches inconsistent with the C3 Framework, while Option C describes
assessment rather than inquiry design. The C3 Framework centers student-generated questions as
the engine of social studies learning.
Page 2
