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K-12 Minnesota Academic Standards

Learn more about academic standards established by the Minnesota Department of Education for mathematics, health and physical education, arts, social studies, language arts, career and technical education, science and world languages. See how environmental education can be integrated into all academic content areas.

K-12 Academic Standards are established and revised by the Minnesota Department of Education on a periodic timeline as issued by the Minnesota Legislature. The standards define statewide expectations for educational achievement in Minnesota's K-12 public schools. Standards also describe academic content that is to be grasped by all students by the end of a particular grade level, or grade band. To gauge student progress, academic standards are measured through state and local assessments. In order to graduate, students are required to complete all state and local academic standards. Students are also required to complete the state's course credit requirements and successfully pass graduation examinations (Minn. Stat. § 120B.02).

What education topics are covered?

• Mathematics
• Science
• Arts
• Social studies
• Language arts
• Physical education

Since state standards do not exist in the following areas, local districts must develop these standards individually:

• Health and physical education
• Arts (if not using state standards)
• Career and technical education
• World languages

How do these standards relate to Environmental Education?

Environmental education focuses on earth’s natural and social systems, and the relationship humans have to these systems. Multiple sub standards and benchmarks in Minnesota’s science and social studies standards relate directly to environmental education. However, environmental education can be integrated into all academic content areas. For example, mathematic standards can be reached by having students calculate the diameter, radius, and approximate height and weight of trees in a local neighborhood. Standards in language arts can be achieved by having students research their favorite animalhabitat, diet, etc.and write a report that focuses on proper grammar and sentence structure. Examples of other lesson plans can be found by visiting the SEEK We Learn, We Save, We Win (We3) Education Initiative resource at http://www.seek.state.mn.us/compact2.cfm?ItemId=1659.

Standards are revised on an ongoing basis according to achievement levels and need. For the most up-to-date information about standard revisions, or to learn more about each standard, visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s website at http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/EdExc/StanCurri/K-12AcademicStandards/index.htm.

Minnesota Department of Education
1500 Highway 36 W
Roseville, MN 55113-4266
651-582-8200
http://education.state.mn.us