Common Planner
K–12 Standards

Introduction to U.S. Intelligence and National Security Studies (2020)

Other Georgia Social Studies sets

Examine the development of the field of U.S. Intelligence. SSINSS1

  • a

    Explore the history of U.S. Intelligence efforts from American Revolution through the Civil War.SSINSS1.a

  • b

    Explain the application of U.S. intelligence from the World War I to World War II.SSINSS1.b

  • c

    Explain how the late and post-Cold War era shaped U.S. intelligence agencies. SSINSS1.c

  • d

    Analyze the current challenges to the U.S. Intelligence community (e.g. social media and information warfare). SSINSS1.d

Describe the basic roles and functions of the Intelligence field.SSINSS2

  • a

    Define Intelligence as the process of collection and analysis of information gathered within or outside the U.S. that involves threats to our nation, its people, property, or interests.SSINSS2.a

  • b

    Explain the purpose and uses of Intelligence for the U.S. government.SSINSS2.b

  • c

    Describe the various career paths for a person entering the Intelligence field (e.g. Analytical, Operational, and Technical). SSINSS2.c

  • d

    Explain the security clearance process (e.g. include barriers to acquiring the various types). SSINSS2.d

  • e

    Describe levels of vulnerability for Intelligence Security.SSINSS2.e

Explore the different types of Intelligence, collection methods, and information sharing.SSINSS3

  • a

    Identify the six basic intelligence sources and methods of collection and explain their uses (Signals Intelligence (SIGINT/aka COMINT), Imagery Intelligence (IMINT), Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT), Human-Source Intelligence (HUMINT), Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT)).SSINSS3.a

  • b

    Describe other sources and types of Intelligence such as: Medical Intelligence, Cyber Intelligence, Environmental Intelligence, Economic and Competitive Intelligence, Law Enforcement Intelligence, Cultural Intelligence, Strategic Intelligence, and Financial Intelligence.SSINSS3.b

  • c

    Compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses inherent in the various sources and types of Intelligence in SSINSS3a-b.SSINSS3.c

  • d

    Explore current trends in different types of Intelligence that challenge collection methods. SSINSS3.d

  • e

    Explain how recent events affect how information is shared with partner nations. SSINSS3.e

Analyze the Intelligence Cycle.SSINSS4

  • a

    Describe the stages of the Intelligence Cycle (e.g. Planning, Collection, Processing, Analysis, Dissemination, and Feedback).SSINSS4.a

  • b

    Distinguish between raw and finished Intelligence.SSINSS4.b

  • c

    Explain how to be successful at each stage of the Intelligence Cycle and describe the strengths and weaknesses of the current model. SSINSS4.c

Evaluate role of an Intelligence Analyst. SSINSS5

  • a

    Describe the role of an analyst in assessing the value of information. SSINSS5.a

  • b

    Explain how analysts use structured analytic techniques such as analysis of competing hypotheses and key assumptions check.SSINSS5.b

  • c

    Describe the authorized activities (Military/Civilian, International/Domestic) of each of the federal agencies comprising the Intelligence Community.SSINSS5.c

  • d

    Explain the purposes and processes for sharing of information between U.S. Intelligence agencies. SSINSS5.d

  • e

    Describe the role of Fusion Centers in coordinating federal and state information sharing.SSINSS5.e

Analyze the ethical, moral, and legal considerations of Intelligence.SSINSS6

  • a

    Describe how ethical standards and moral dilemmas challenge intelligence analysts as they relate to secrecy, war and peace, ends versus means, nature of the opponent, and national interest.SSINSS6.a

  • b

    Explain how changes over time in societal ethics and morality, both domestic and foreign, affect intelligence officers.SSINSS6.b

  • c

    Explain how Intelligence professionals relate ethical and moral issues to collection and covert action.SSINSS6.c

  • d

    Describe the legal constraints and challenges to the collection of intelligence domestically and abroad.SSINSS6.d

Compare and contrast the roles and missions of the U.S. federal agencies comprising the U.S. Intelligence Community.SSINSS7

  • a

    Identify all U.S. federal agencies which make up the U.S. Intelligence Community, including their functions and area of focus. SSINSS7.a

  • b

    Describe the role of the Director of National Intelligence in coordinating information sharing between agencies.SSINSS7.b

  • c

    Explain the role of Congress as an oversight body to the U.S. Intelligence Community.SSINSS7.c

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12

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