January 14: Social studies standards comment deadline & alternative education expo
Here is what’s happening Friday that you don’t want to miss.
Social studies standards comment deadline
The public comment period on the possible amendment to rules governing Minnesota’s K-12 social studies standards closes Friday, Jan. 14 at 4:30 p.m.
Through the Office of Administrative Hearings, you can create a profile and join the ongoing discussion Minnesotans are having about the current draft of the standards.
You can also sign American Experiment’s petition, which will then be uploaded on the OAH website for the presiding Administrative Law Judge to read before a decision is made. You can either sign your name to our prepared text or personalize it with your own thoughts.
The proposed rule amendments include replacing the existing K-12 academic standards in social studies with those in Draft 3, which adds ethnic studies as a fifth strand. As my colleague Kathy Kersten explains here, the content of these standards is very concerning. Instead of learning the basic factual knowledge needed to be informed citizens, students will be schooled in viewing themselves and society through group identity based on race, life as a power struggle between oppressors and victims, and American history as a shameful story of domination, marginalization and injustice.
There is a difference between teaching and confronting the ugly truths of our history and teaching a one-sided narrative to match a political doctrine. The draft document’s fixation on the negative only will turn students into tokens of oppression instead of helping them celebrate who they are without dividing them against their peers.
Alternative education expo
What: Alternative Education Expo
When: Friday, Jan. 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 4Front Technology and Office Campus in Oakdale, MN
If there is a silver lining to COVID-19, it is that it has resulted in parents’ larger role in education. Many parents became aware of what their children are — or aren’t — learning. And others realized the shortcomings of a top-down education system.
There is real interest from parents to support children’s learning in new ways, and parents should be empowered to choose the learning setting that works best for their children.
Hosted by The Exodus MN, the Alternative Education Expo will inspire parents and guardians to take control of their child’s education. Speakers will address:
- The how-to’s of homeschooling
- Setting up homeschool cooperations
- Starting learning pods and micro-schools
- How to afford nonpublic education
The event is free but an Eventbrite ticket is required. Register here and share with other Minnesotans who are interested in learning more about alternative learning environments.