Specific competencies are outlined for social studies education in grades seven through 12 in the Philadelphia school system. The focus of social studies education is seen to be the transmission of knowledge and inculcation of skills and attitudes essential for good citizenship in an interdependent world. Five areas which contribute to good citizenship are self-realization, governing, producing and consuming, utilizing environments, and critical thinking and decision making. These areas form the basis for competencies listed for eight courses in the secondary social studies program. The courses are geography (grade seven), Pennsylvania and American history and government (grade eight), world history (grade nine), American history (grades 10 or 11), political science (grade 12), economics (grade 12), sociology (grade 12), and Philadelphia government (grades 10 through 12). For each course, between four and 13 competencies are identified. Each competency is followed by numerous behavioral objectives which can be used to evaluate mastery of the competency. For example, a competency in American history is, "Students will understand some of the political and social problems America faced between 1870-1920." A related behavioral objective is to identify some of the reasons for the great upsurge in immigration during that period. (AV)