You’ve heard that old, old song before: “Don’t know much about history…. (And for that matter geography, civics, and economics.) Well, how true is it of Colorado public school students? And how much will the newly revised Social Studies academic standards help improve the situation?

A first draft (PDF) of the Social Studies standards has been produced by a committee, and the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) wants your comments. Whether you have time to read through all 128 pages of introductory material and proposed standards in the four content areas, or just select portions, any feedback you can provide is helpful.

To get the context of the process behind the standards and some examples that may raise concerns, click on the play button below to listen to a new iVoices podcast discussion featuring my Education Policy Center friends Pam Benigno and Ben DeGrow:

CDE has set up an email address where citizens can share their comments about the draft Social Studies standards. Your ideas may be very helpful in the continuing revision.

Please note that the committee meets again on September 12 to weigh the feedback. Formal public comment will take place before the State Board of Education on November 12, with the Board scheduled to give final approval to the revised Social Studies standards on December 10.

On behalf of students across the state who will be affected by the standards over the coming years, thank you for taking the time to get involved.