Social StudiesAcademic Excellence : Minnesota Department of Education

Social Studies

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.

NEW! US Senate Youth Program Applications Available Now
A unique educational experience for outstanding high school students!
Applications are now being accepted for the United States Senate Youth Program, which was established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution.. The 47th annual program will be held in Washington, D.C., from March 7 - 14, 2009.

Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity will spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action. Student delegates will hear major policy addresses by U.S. senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies. They will also participate in a meeting with a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundation.

In addition, each delegate will also be awarded a $5,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science. For more information, visit the US Senate Youth Program Website or access the application form.

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Information and Resources
Throughout 2009, our nation will celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday. Among the many scheduled events was a National Teach-In on February 12, 2009. The goal was to have every student, in every classroom across the country, focused for at least one class period on the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Minnesota’s Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission is also planning a number of other events to mark this anniversary. You can check this site for updates on events and teacher resources.

CLEP Exam Timeline
Minnesota high school students can take up to six free College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP®) exams as part of the “Get Ready, Get Credit” initiative. The testing window for the 2008-09 school year is October 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. This program allows students to earn college credit while still in high school by earning qualifying scores on exams, saving families significant money on college tuition. Read the CLEP: Quick Start for Social Studies Students below for more information.

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. This organization is dedicated to improving K-12 social studies education for all Minnesota students and educators through innovative programs and partnerships.

Contact:  Tim Hoogland, Minnesota Historical Society, Director of Education Outreach Programs - 651-259-3425

Abraham Lincoln Lesson Plan Template  29Kb (12/30/2008)
     Use this template to submit Abraham Lincoln lesson plans to share with other teachers.
Abraham Lincoln Web Resources  62Kb (12/30/2008)  53Kb (12/30/2008)
     This is a listing of Web resources that may be of use to teachers and students for the National Teach-In on February 12, 2009, related to Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday.
Aligning Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Based on Content Standards  64Kb (7/23/2005)
     Section 3 of the Comprehensive Social Studies Assessment Project (CSSAP) Manual
Alignment Tool for Use with the Social Studies Standards  2Mb (8/1/2006)  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  649Kb (7/1/2009)
     Guide for social studies students who wish to take one or more CLEP exams.
Curriculum and Assessment Alignment Form Examples  39Kb (11/30/2007)
     Examples given to help schools complete the Social Studies curriculum and assessment alignment form.
Curriculum and Assessment Alignment Form for Social Studies  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  21Kb (1/3/2006)
     collection of social studies-related web links
Social Studies Standards  3Mb (8/26/2005)  436Kb (8/26/2005)
     K-12 MN Academic Standards in Social Studies, table format

Frameworks

1. Economic Systems Framework PDF Version 2Mb (3/27/2006)
     The complete MN K-12 Economic Systems Framework document
Chapter 1-Part 2, Social Studies Framework PDF Version 2Mb (3/27/2006)
     MN K-12 Social Studies Framework Chapter 1, Part 2
Chapter 2, Best Practice PDF Version 222Kb (7/23/2005)
     MN K-12 Social Studies Framework
Chapter 3, Processes and Concepts PDF Version 155Kb (7/23/2005)
     MN K-12 Social Studies Framework
Chapter 4, Learning Activities PDF Version 207Kb (7/23/2005)
     MN K-12 Social Studies Framework
Chapter 5, Staff Development PDF Version 111Kb (7/23/2005)
     MN K-12 Social Studies Framework
Chapter 6, Resources PDF Version 245Kb (7/23/2005)
     MN K-12 Social Studies Framework
Community Interaction and Psychology in the Social Studies PDF Version 173Kb (7/23/2005)
     MN K-12 Social Studies Framework, pages 1-80a to 1-80o
Institutions and Traditions in Society PDF Version 75Kb (7/23/2005)
     MN K-12 Social Studies Framework, pages 1-79a to 1-79l
Introduction to Supplement PDF Version 215Kb (3/27/2006)
     MN K-12 Social Studies Framework
Revised Table of Contents PDF Version 609Kb (3/28/2006)
     MN K-12 Social Studies Framework, supplemental pages vii to viii
Revised Table of Contents PDF Version 995Kb (3/28/2006)
     MN K-12 Social Studies Framework, supplemental pages 1.1 to 1.4