What Are the New Required Content Areas for Minnesota Schools?

State required content areas shall include:

1. Mathematics

2. English language arts

3. Science

4. Social Studies (history, geography, economics, citizenship and government)

5. Arts

Standards and benchmarks for mathematics, English language arts, science and social studies will be established by the Department of Education subsequent to legislative authorization. These standards and benchmarks will be:

” developed through a broadly inclusive public process

” established in rule (standards only)

” reviewed and revised as necessary every 4 years

” assessed by state tests, if state tests are available (no state tests in social studies)

State tests will not be given for Social Studies, the Arts, or other electives. In all cases, local school districts will determine if students have met the academic standards, if a state test is not given.

What Will Students Need To Do To Graduate From High School?

The 24 graduation standards have been replaced with a course credit system for graduation. Students will have to complete a certain number of courses (credits) in math, English language arts, science, social studies, arts and other electives before they can graduate. A credit is the equivalent of the successful completion of an academic year of study, or student mastery of applicable state standards.

At this time, students will also have to pass the Basic Skills Tests.

High School Coursework

Subject Area

State of Minnesota Graduation Requirements*

English/Language Arts

4 credits

Math

3 credits (encompassing at least algebra, geometry, and statistics and probability)

Science

3 credits (1 credit in biology and 2 credits of the student’s choosing)

Social Studies

3.5 credits (1 credit in U.S. History, 1 credit in Geography, 0.5 credit in World History, 0.5 credit in economics and 0.5 credit in government/citizenship)

Arts

1 credit (visual arts, music, theater, dance or media arts)

Electives

7 elective credits
Local school board determines configuration of elective credit requirements

* A credit is the equivalent of the successful completion of an academic year of study, or student mastery of applicable state standards.