Proposed district accreditation model takes shape

Thanks to feedback from administrators, the Department of Education has revised its district accreditation model. The revised model is a two-tiered system – opposed to the three-tiered system originally proposed. During its 2004 session, the South Dakota Legislature charged the department with reviewing the existing accreditation model.

With the new model, South Dakota would add a performance-based element to its accreditation process, which currently is strictly regulatory in nature. Under the new model, districts would choose one of two routes to accreditation: 1) state accreditation or 2) regional accreditation through North Central Association or another approved agency.

The two routes are similar. Both require completion of regulatory standards, which districts already are doing. In addition, both routes require creation of a district improvement plan and an onsite review on a five-year cycle. In developing a district improvement plan, districts will be able to pull from resources such as the Consolidated Application Form and information gathered at data retreats. They won’t be forced to re-create the wheel.

A third route – called exemplary accreditation – still is being explored as a possibility for the future.

Superintendents should watch for a mailing that offers more details about the proposed system. The state Board of Education will discuss district accreditation at its Nov. 15-16 meeting in Pierre.

For more information, contact Melody Schopp at the Department of Education, (605) 773-5232. melody.schopp@state.sd.us

Back to Top