ATLANTA — The State Board of Education has posted the first Georgia Standards of Excellence for social studies for public comment. If approved, the standards will be implemented in the 2017-18 school year, following a year of teacher training.

The draft standards, along with supporting documentation, are available at www.georgiastandards.org/Documents/Social-Studies-GSE-K-12-May-2016.pdf.

The proposed standards were developed based on a formal review and evaluation process, which included opportunities for teachers, parents and families, students, business and industry and committee members to participate through surveys and committees. The current review period comes prior to a vote by the State Board of Education on whether to approve the new standards.

Following an initial 60-day public comment period, the State Board postponed the adoption of the Social Studies GSE at its March 31 meeting.

Social Studies committee members reconvened and made additional recommendations in April.

"We’re committed to ensuring the best standards for our students, based on feedback from teachers, parents, students, and the public," State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. "I want to thank every Georgia educator and every concerned citizen who has taken time to provide feedback during this process."

Survey opportunities will close at 5 p.m. June 3.