The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) requests comments on its proposed rules governing the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Social Studies.

MDE is considering new proposed rules that change the existing K-12 Academic Standards in Social Studies to reflect the national framework on college, career, and civic life readiness. The proposed standards are based on extensive national research, committee experience, expert guidance, and discussion and stakeholder feedback. These rules will ensure Minnesota’s social studies standards require the rigor and understanding necessary to support literate and capable students and citizens. 

Standards Review Committee

As part of the statutory review and revision process under Minn. Stat. 120B.021, the department formed a social studies standards review committee selected from a group of qualified applicants. This committee assisted in drafting the proposed K-12 Academic Standards in Social Studies. More information about the work of the committee and the guiding assumptions the committee used in drafting the proposed rules are available on MDE’s K-12 Academic Standards in Social Studies webpage.

The committee has proposed rule language that fits the needs of Minnesota’s students and supports the goals of career and college readiness in social studies. The proposed rule language is posted on the MDE K-12 Academic Standards in Social Studies rulemaking webpage.

Submitting Written Comments

The Request for Comments was published in the Minnesota State Register on November 15, 2021. A statutory comment period will run for 60 day following the publication of the Request for Comments. The comment period will end on January 14, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. Interested persons or groups may submit written comments or information on these possible rules in writing until the close of the comment period. Written comments must be submitted to the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) on their e-comments website.

For additional directions on how to submit a written comment during this statutory comment period please review the Request for Comments document posted on the MDE K-12 Academic Standards in Social Studies rulemaking webpage. 

Questions and requests for more information on these proposed rules should be directed to: Kerstin Forsythe; (651) 582-8583; kerstin.forsythe@state.mn.us.