The House has approved new science and social studies education standards as we continue work to replace the state’s Profile of Learning. The new standards, especially the social studies standards, have created some controversy. Most of that controversy is due to people misinterpreting or misunderstanding the social studies standards and trying to make them into a political issue. If you take an impartial look at the new standards, you will find they cover the basic information a student needs to know in a fair, balanced and complete manner. The standards cover all the major events of American history and impose rigorous standards for our students. There is diversity in the standards. The contributions of various races, groups, political persuasions, men and women are all highlighted. Are the new American history standards perfect? No. I’ve been teaching in our schools for 33 years. In that time, I’ve seen many different education programs come and go. But I haven’t seen a proposal before that has generated this much interest, study, involvement and passion more than others – and that’s a good thing. Anything that generates interest and participation in our children’s education is a good thing. The fact that we are acting on the standards in the Legislature doesn’t mean there isn’t room for change in them. We have four years to review and revise, and I’m sure we’ll find out during that time what works and what doesn’t. Adaptability is one of a teacher’s great attributes. I’ll admit there are challenges associated with these new standards, as there are in any change. Frankly, I hope that school districts will invest more time and offer two years of American history. We can choose to overanalyze to paralysis, but that would get us nowhere. Whether teachers use words like compare, contrast, explain or understand really won’t make much difference. In the end, I am confident our teachers will teach these standards – and they will teach them well.
Dean Urdahl (R-Grove City) serves District 18B in the Minnesota House of Representatives, which includes most of the Annandale-South Haven area. He can be reached 651-296-4344, or e-mail to rep.dean.urdahl@house.mn.