Social Studies Essential Elements Revision & Review Teams

The revision (first team) is charged with revising the current social studies essential elements and making proposed draft recommendations to the Department. This team serves in an advisory capacity to the Department.

State standards across all subject areas are reviewed regularly to ensure the content is current and aligns with best practices. 

Iowa’s academic standards provide a set of common expectations for school districts across the state while allowing for decisions regarding curriculum and how it is delivered to be made locally. The standards establish what students must learn to be prepared for success after high school. 

Following this work the Department will seek public input on the proposed changes. A review (second team) will then be assembled to examine stakeholder feedback and recommend proposed changes to be included in a final draft for consideration. The final proposed essential elements will go before the State Board of Education for consideration. If adopted, the revised social studies essential elements will be required for school districts. For additional information see the About Student Standards webpage.

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Revision Team Meeting Dates & Agendas

Jan. 23, 2026

Feb. 3, 2026

Feb. 25, 2026

March 17, 22026

March 31, 2026 (if needed)

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Revision Team Membership

Co-Facilitators

  • Jennifer Denne, Iowa Department of Education, Alternate Assessment Consultant
  • Tiffiny Poage, Iowa Department of Education, Special Education Consultant
  • Stefanie Wager, Iowa Department of Education, Standards and Practices Administrative Consultant

Members

The revision team (first team) includes representation from various stakeholder groups across the state, including but not limited to higher education, content specialists, administrators, teacher leaders, classroom teachers and families.

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Review Team Meeting Dates & Agendas

  • Amber Blum, Western Dubuque Community Schools

  • Clay Garretson, West Des Moines Community Schools

  • Kristie Haffner, West Lyon Community Schools

  • Sonya Hanisch, Le Mars Community Schools

  • Ben Hicks, Waukee Community Schools

  • Misti Linn, West Des Moines Community Schools

  • Melinda McBratney, West Des Moines Community Schools

  • Jesse Rhiannon Persons, Pier Learning Center

  • Christine Quario, Des Moines Public Schools

  • Sarah Rissler, Parent

  • Kelly Tate, Sioux Central Community Schools

  • Anthony Thompson, Parent

  • Natalie Ulloa, Mediapolis Community Schools

  • Kayle Vale, North Linn Community Schools

  • Caiti Wyman, Alburnett Community Schools

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Review Team Membership

Co-Facilitators

  • Jennifer Denne, Iowa Department of Education, Alternate Assessment Consultant
  • Stefanie Wager, Iowa Department of Education, Standards and Practices Administrative Consultant

Members

The review team (second team) includes representation from various stakeholder groups across the state, including but not limited to higher education, content specialists, administrators, teacher leaders, classroom teachers and families.

 

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