(1) An eighth grade student at the proficient level in social studies demonstrates solid academic performance. He/she:

(a) applies an inquiry process to locate, evaluate, and use information in a variety of decision making scenarios;

(b) describes and compares the principles and structure of power, authority, and governance;

(c) practices citizenship rights and responsibilities across various communities;

(d) effectively seeks information, solves problems, and communicates findings using geographic skills and tools;

(e) conducts appropriate research to draw reasonable parallels between historical and current events and issues;

(f) recognizes fundamental economic issues and meaningfully illustrates how they interrelate and affect families, communities, cultures, and nations; and

(g) examines and compares and contrasts how culture influences and diversity contributes to human development, identity, and behavior.