Academic StandardsAcademic Excellence :

Academic Standards

To find the K-12 Minnesota Academic Standards for language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts, choose a subject from the links at right. Health and physical education, vocational and technical education, and world languages each require districts to develop local standards.  (Note: Reading standards are included in the Language Arts standards document.)

NEW! Science Standards Revision Committe Members Chosen

The list of committee members for the Science Standards Revision Committee is now available. View the committee member list . The committee will bring together scientists, K-12 and postsecondary educators, parents, business representatives and others to refine and revise the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Science. The first meeting is scheduled March 4-5, 2008.

Important Grant Information

The Minnesota Department of Education is pleased to announce the launch of a new Grants Management System. The system will provide a stream-lined process for grant applicants to search for and download grant opportunities in a dedicated location. During the transition process, existing, open grant applications will continue to be located within the relevant program site location, though supporting materials and resources – including FAQs – will be available only from the Grants Information page. Visit the new Grants Information page.

View application packet for the Math and Science Teacher Academies grant opportunity on the Grants Information page.  The Report on Teacher Academies: Math and Science (TAMS) Advisory Task Force, gives background information and recommendations on the development of these academies. Read the report.

World Language Programs and Teacher Development

Five schools received grant awards totaling $500,000 through the 2007 World Language Pilot Program Grants. The recipients are creating or building upon existing programs to develop sustainable, high-quality model world language opportunities. “World Language opportunities are an essential component of preparing Minnesota students for success in a rapidly-changing global marketplace,” said Education Commissioner Alice Seagren. Read news release . View list of awardees .

Mathematics Standards Revision Update

The final draft of the Mathematics standards revision document is available now on the Mathematics page, along with a frequently-asked questions document that serves as a helpful guide to the draft standards.

Graduation Requirements

An easy-to-read chart that includes state standards, state testing, and graduation requirements for Minnesota students is available on the Graduation Requirements page. There is also a comparison of state requirements and postsecondary recommendations.

Resources

Resources available on each subject area page include national standards, benchmarks, activities, links to professional organizations, and more. Quality Teaching Network (QTN) highlights are also included. Training opportunities for teachers and administrators are posted under each subject area, as available.

Related Standards Information

Standards information for related subjects can be found by using the Related Links at left. These include the Standards for Career and Technical Education as well as the Information and Technology Literacy Standards, which provide a guideline for school districts that wish to ensure students are achieving 21st Century information skills in conjunction with the current Minnesota Academic Standards. 

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