Social StudiesAcademic Excellence : Minnesota Department of Education

Social Studies
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Social Studies

Social Studies is the study of history, humanities and the social sciences. The purpose of studying these disciplines is to prepare young people to become responsible citizens and develop social understanding. Social studies standards and curriculum build four capacities in young people: disciplinary knowledge, disciplinary skills, commitment to democratic values, and citizen participation.

Minnesota's Academic Standards in Social Studies
Minnesota adopted new history and social studies standards in 2004 with an unprecedented level of public input and involvement. Receiving some of the Fordham Foundation’s highest marks for their content and instructional focus, Minnesota was among only eight states to win “A” grades overall. The K-12 Minnesota Academic Standards in History and Social Studies define a common foundation of knowledge and skills in United States history, world history, Minnesota history, geography, economics, and government and citizenship. The standards are available below in Word and PDF formats.

A curriculum and assessment alignment form is now available for Social Studies. This form can be used by schools and online learning providers to document alignment with the standards. An example form is also available to help you get started.

Graduation Requirements
Students who began 9th grade in the 2004-05 school year or later must successfully complete three and one-half credits of social studies encompassing at least United States history, geography, government and citizenship, world history, and economics --or-- three credits of social studies encompassing at least United States history, geography, government and citizenship, world history and one-half credit of economics taught in a school's social studies, business, or agricultural education department.

Providing Services
The Minnesota Department of Education provides social studies professional development and technical assistance services in collaboration with the Center for Social Studies Education at the Minnesota Historical Society under the direction of Tim Hoogland. This organization is dedicated to improving K-12 social studies education for all Minnesota students and educators through innovative programs and partnerships. Use the Related Links to visit the Minnesota Center for Social Studies Education Website to view the resources there. Contact:  Kate Stower, Center for Social Studies Education - 651-259-3433

Abraham Lincoln Web Resources pdf icon 62Kb (12/30/2008) doc icon 53Kb (12/30/2008)
     This is a listing of Web resources that may be of use to teachers and students activities related to Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday.
Aligning Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Based on Content Standards pdf icon 64Kb (7/23/2005)
     Section 3 of the Comprehensive Social Studies Assessment Project (CSSAP) Manual
Alignment Tool for Use with the Social Studies Standards pdf icon 2Mb (8/1/2006) doc icon 512Kb (8/1/2006)
     Form to assist districts and schools align their curriculum with the MN Academic Standards in Social Studies
CLEP: Quick Start for Social Studies Students pdf icon 649Kb (7/1/2009)
     Guide for social studies students who wish to take one or more CLEP exams.
Curriculum and Assessment Alignment Form for Social Studies doc icon 470Kb (10/9/2007)
     Form to assist schools in aligning curriculum and assessment to the MN K-12 Academic Standards in Social Studies. (Note: Online providers, see link at left for the OLL version of this form.)
Internet Resources for Social Studies pdf icon 21Kb (1/3/2006)
     collection of social studies-related web links
Social Studies Standards pdf icon 3Mb (8/26/2005) doc icon 436Kb (8/26/2005)
     K-12 MN Academic Standards in Social Studies, table format
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Frameworks

Best Practice PDF Version 222Kb (7/23/2005)
     MN K-12 Social Studies Framework
Chapter 6, Resources PDF Version 245Kb (7/23/2005)
     MN K-12 Social Studies Framework
Economic Systems Framework PDF Version 2Mb (3/27/2006)
     The complete MN K-12 Economic Systems Framework document
Social Studies Framework PDF Version 2Mb (3/27/2006)
     MN K-12 Social Studies Framework Chapter 1, Part 2
Staff Development PDF Version 111Kb (7/23/2005)
     MN K-12 Social Studies Framework