The final document in a series on life skills objectives developed by Project CAST (Community and School Together), a community-based career education program for secondary special education students, this guide outlines social studies competencies needed for independent living. Goal statements, behavioral objectives, and specialized terminology are presented for the following social studies topics: understanding one's heritage, student rights and responsibilities, local government, state government, federal government, citizenship, community services, signs, map skills, geography, modes of transportation, housing, home maintenance, maintenance of goods and property, and insurance. A list of resource materials with information on publishers and brief summaries concludes the document. (CL)