Academic Standards (K-12)

At Winona Area Public Schools, our curriculum is guided by the Minnesota K–12 Academic Standards, which set clear expectations for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. These standards help ensure that all students — no matter where they live in Minnesota — receive a high-quality education built on consistent, research-based learning goals.

Each academic standard outlines key concepts in a subject area, such as reading, math, science, or social studies. These standards are made up of benchmarks, which describe the specific knowledge and skills students are expected to master by the end of a grade or grade band. Together, standards and benchmarks help shape the lessons, activities, and assessments students experience every day.

Minnesota reviews and updates its academic standards on a regular, rotating schedule, with one subject area revised each year. This keeps instruction current, relevant, and aligned with what students need to succeed in college, careers, and life.

To learn more about the academic standards that support student learning across our district, visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s Academic Standards page.