SODIAG Home | Students | Top Ten | Pathways | Step-by-Step | More

Additional SODIAG Information

Background
     The purpose of the Scholars of Distinction is to nurture and recognize distinguished achievement by K-12 students in a variety of fields of human endeavor. Standards may be created in various areas: in traditional academic realms such as mathematics; talent areas such as the performing arts; integrated subject areas such as invention or leadership and career-related fields such as photo-journalism.
     Each Scholars of Distinction extends the learning achieved by the student on Minnesota's rigorous High Standards to an even greater degree of breadth and complexity. The student's achievement of the knowledge and skills in a Standard of Distinction will be verified by identified mentor experts in the workforce, K-12 and higher education.

What?
     Independent research and work on one of the assessment packages developed for the program or independent projects designed by students will be worked on in and around school sites all across the state.
     To achieve the status of SD-Applied Geography, a high school student must complete the required number of specified standards from the Profile of Learning, pass a comprehensive exam, and submit a project or performance assessment package's work to the Center for Geography Assessment.

When?
     High school students may decide to attempt to achieve the SD-Applied Geography during grades 9-12. The rigorous activity involved in achieving the SD-Applied Geography will require students to begin the pathways for this award prior to entering grade 10. Many extra-curricular activities completed prior to entering high school may be important factors in preparing a student for SD-Applied Geography.

How?
     The students who have officially registered will work with his/her school counselor to assure the necessary standards from the Profile are complete. Each March, the center will administer the comprehensive exam to students' Guidance Departments. Students will be informed of their scores and ability to continue the process towards receiving the recognition of distinction in geography. Students may take the exam more than once.