Please see the message below that was sent out from The Iowa Dept of Ed.
On January 15, 2026, the State Board of Education adopted new social studies standards.
The social studies standards revision process began in 2025, when the Standards Revision Team began convening. In August 2025, a draft standards document was released for public feedback. A second team, the Standards Review Team convened In October 2025, a second team, to examine public feedback and make proposed changes to the Department based on public feedback. At the December 2025, State Board meeting, a “first read” of the standards occurred, with the “second read” happening on January 15, 2026, when the standards were adopted.
The Department will begin start rolling out additional supports and professional development. Districts should also start working toward implementation.