Standards

Social Studies Standards

Meeting the 2021 Social Studies Standards 

In response to the 2021 revision of the state academic standards for K-12 social studies, formally approved in 2024, a revision of the Northern Lights curriculum is currently underway. The Northern Lights Third Edition, both print and Interactive eBook versions, will be available the summer of 2026, in advance of the 2026-27 school year when standards implementation is required.

Meeting the 2011 Social Studies Standards

The Northern Lights curriculum, both print and Interactive eBook versions, helps teachers meet the 2011 Minnesota K-12 academic standards for social studies currently required for student graduation.

The 2013 Revised Second Edition print book and the Interactive eBook, introduced in 2014, continue the curriculum’s long-standing principles of using stories to teach critical thinking skills, encourage inquiry, and explore multiple perspectives. In addition, the Northern Lights curriculum now shows students how history, civics, economics, and geography work together to tell the stories of Minnesota and its people. 

Northern Lights standards

History Standards (PDF)

 Civics Standards (PDF)

 Economics Standards (PDF)

Geography Standards (PDF)

All Northern Lights Standards (PDF)

Sixth-Grade Minnesota Studies

 

The 2011 social studies standards designate a year-long Minnesota Studies course at sixth grade in all Minnesota public schools. Minnesota Studies incorporates four disciplines: history, civics, geography, and economics. While there are benchmarks for all four disciplines, history is the Minnesota Studies lead discipline. 

The Minnesota K-12 academic standards for social studies must be reviewed every ten years according to Minnesota state law (Minn Stat. § 120B.021).

More Information about the standards: