MDE outlines proposed health, social studies and ethnic studies standards and timeline
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Summary
The Minnesota Department of Education presented proposed health standards (CPR/AED, vaping and substance prevention, mental health) and social studies implementation plans, and described ethnic studies grant rounds; members asked for follow‑up on the labeling of nine historical eras and for documentation of changes made after public comment.
Bobby Burnham (identified by the chair as the Department of Education presenter) gave an overview of the academic standards review process and the proposed health, social studies and ethnic studies standards.
On health, Burnham said proposed statewide standards include required instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automatic external defibrillator education for grades 7–12; vaping awareness and prevention education for grades 6–8; cannabis and substance use education (including information about fentanyl) for grades 6–12; and mental health education for grades 4–12 that includes suicide prevention and related national guidance. Burnham said the standards development included multiple public comment periods and partner reviews with MDH, DHS and other state agencies.
On social studies, the department framed the 2021 standards as prioritizing student inquiry, disciplinary literacy and integration of an ethnic studies strand; staff said implementation support (networks and partnerships) has reached dozens of districts and charter schools. The department noted ethnic studies grant rounds and said round 2 of the community‑centered knowledge grant is slated for posting in 2026.
During questioning, Senator Duckworth asked who developed the "nine eras" used in the US history guidance and said he did not find words such as "democracy" or "liberty" in the department's overview document; Burnham and staff declined to answer immediately and committed to following up with expert staff and returning detailed responses to the committee.
The department said it would provide follow‑up material requested by members, including a list of changes made after public hearings and clarifying documentation about eras and the rulemaking timeline.