TOPEKA – The State Board of Education is preparing to approve changes in the material that Kansas students are expected to know in history, government and social studies.

The new standards were developed over the past two years for kindergarten through high school. Kansas students would be asked to better understand the context of what they learn, not just memorize names and dates.

Board members will adopt the changes at their April 16 meeting in Topeka.

The new standards replace those that had been in place for Kansas schools since 2004. Students will take tests based on the standards starting in 2016.

Local school boards will be responsible for developing and approving curriculum that follows the new standards, including the purchase of textbooks.