Mathematics is a discipline whose basic ingredients are numbers, shapes, and algebraic relationships. Logical reasoning is used to study the properties of these objects and develop connections between them. The results can be used to understand and analyze a vast array of phenomena arising in all of the sciences, engineering and everyday life. For this reason, mathematics is often called the "language of science." We support mathematics achievement for all learners by providing guidance and technical assistance on implementation of academic standards, current best practices, and multi-tiered systems of intervention.

Mathematics  Standards are Being Reviewed and Revised by Minnesotans

In accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Minnesota's academic standards are reviewed and revised on a 10-year cycle. During 2020-21, the department is facilitating a review of the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Mathematics. The standards are being revised for Minnesota public schools, by Minnesotans. The Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards for Mathematics review and revision is being conducted by a committee that includes members from across Minnesota with varying perspectives and backgrounds. Minnesota Statutes outline who must be represented on the committee, including parents, currently licensed and in the classroom teachers, licensed school administrators, school board members, post-secondary institution faculty teaching core subjects, and business community members. The math standards committee will begin meeting in November 2021.

Serving on the committee means a commitment of at least 10 full-day committee meetings from November 18, 2021 through August 2022, as well as work between these meetings. Please encourage teaching staff to participate. While it requires seven days out of the classroom, it is fantastic professional development for teachers.

The Minnesota Department of Education seeks to establish a highly qualified, diverse committee with a broad representation of stakeholders including teachers, administrators, school board members, higher education, business/industry, and citizens; content specialists with expertise across all developmental levels; people from diverse educational settings and from urban, suburban, and rural communities.

Applicants must agree to the 2021-22 Mathematics Committee Guiding Assumptions and Mathematics Standards Review Timeline 2021-22.

2021-22 Meetings of the Standards Review Committee

Committee meets monthly from November 2021 to August 2022. The meetings are currently held virtual and broadcasted on the MDE YouTube channel. Agendas are posted below:

  •  November 18, 2021

If you have any questions, please contact Sara Van Der Werf.

Understanding the Standards and the Standards Development Process

Standards, Assessments, and Graduation Requirements

Standards
The Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Mathematics are grounded in the belief that all students can and should be mathematically proficient. All students need to learn important mathematical concepts, skills and relationships with understanding. The standards describe a connected body of mathematical knowledge students learn through the processes of problem-solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connections, and representation. The standards are grouped by strands: 1) Number and Operation; 2) Algebra; 3) Geometry and Measurement; and 4) Data Analysis and Probability.

The mathematics standards were revised in 2007, with full implementation by the 2010-11 school year. Though the math standards were scheduled to be reviewed again during the 2015-16 school year, the review has been postponed. As passed in the spring 2015 first special legislative session, according to Chapter 3, H.F. 1, the math standards review has been postponed until 2021-22. Find the math standards documents below.

Assessments
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) III Mathematics exam assesses the mathematics standards in grades 3-8 and 11. There are also standards for literacy in science and technical subjects contained within the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in English Language Arts (2010). The MCAs and the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards. Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet eligibility criteria may take the MTAS. Read more about the MCAs and statewide assessments on the Statewide Testing page.

Graduation Requirements
The graduation requirements for mathematics include credit requirements and standards requirements. All students are required to satisfactorily complete three credits in mathematics encompassing the high school academic standards. Visit the Graduation Requirements page to learn more.

Special Projects and Initiatives

TheFrameworks for Mon's Mathematics webpageinnesota Mathematics and Science Standards is an online resource for use by educators for planning instruction, professional development, curriculum design and assessment. It provides instructional resources directly connected to each standard and sections focused on best practices and standards implementation. The website is a collaboration of MDE and SciMathMN, and reflects the expertise of teachers in identifying resources. View the frameworks.

getSTEM is a web portal that connects more than a thousand Minnesota educators and businesses. The website provides a sharing network, allowing schools to request materials and human resources, such as equipment, volunteers, speakers and judges. Businesses, in turn, offer materials, programs, and presentations to schools. getSTEM is a collaborative project of MDE and the Minnesota High Technology Council. Visit getSTEM and get started!

The Minnesota STEM Network is a project to improve STEM education in Minnesota by addressing critical issues and forming collaborations across the state. The project is sponsored by SciMathMN. Go to SciMathMN.org to read more.

Recognition and Awards Programs
The Minnesota Department of Education provides state coordination for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the nation's highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science (including computer science). Two teachers from each state receive the award annually. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. Honorees receive a monetary award as well as a week-long professional development opportunity in Washington, D.C. Visit the Presidential Awards for Excellence website.

Standards and Related Information


  • 2021-22 Math Standards Review Committee - 10/25/21
  • Mathematics Standards Review Timeline 2021-22 - 9/20/21
  • Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards Development Process 9-17-21 - 9/17/21
  • Understanding Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards 9-17-21 - 9/17/21
  • 2021-22 Mathematics Standards Review Committee's Guiding Assumptions - 9/16/21
  • Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Mathematics (2007) - 6/23/21
    Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Mathematics (2007 version). Adopted September 22, 2008.
  • Academic Standards: Mathematics K-12 (2007) - Spreadsheet - 3/30/21
    This spreadsheet allows for sorting of the standards and for adding columns for instructional resources and assessments.
  • Frequently Asked Questions about the 2007 Minnesota Mathematics Standards and Benchmarks for Grades K-12 - 1/18/13
    Answers questions about the final draft of the mathematics standards revision document. (April 13, 2007)