Activity Directions: Background and Structure of Academic Standards in each Content Area

Objective

Build understanding of the Minnesota academic standards development process and explore standards and benchmarks of specific content areas.

Time

1-2 hours

Preparation

1. Print or make available digital copies of the Reading: Introduction to Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards so that all participants can review it.
2. Print or make available digital copies of each of the content areas participants can select to review.

• Reading: Introduction to Minnesota Academic Standards in Art
• Reading: Introduction to Minnesota Academic Standards in English Language Arts
• Reading: Introduction to Minnesota Academic Standards in Math
• Reading: Introduction to Minnesota Academic Standards in Physical Education
• Reading: Introduction to Minnesota Academic Standards in Science
• Reading: Introduction to Minnesota Academic Standards in Social Studies

Directions

1. Divide the participants into content-specific groups.
2. Distribute copies or link to the Reading: Introduction to Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards; and provide copies or links to the group’s identified content area standards.
3. Give individuals an appropriate amount of time to read and reflect on the prompts on the Reading: Introduction to Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards and content area standards.
4. Have each group discuss the following questions:

• What is the purpose of Minnesota’s Academic Standards?
• What are the purposes of grade-level benchmarks (or in some cases, grade-banded benchmarks)?
• What are the historical contexts for your content area?
• How are your content standards organized?
• What information regarding your content area standards might be helpful for others to know?