New science standards open for comment
South Dakota’s newly revised science standards were opened for public comment on Jan. 26 by the Board of Education. A group of nearly 50 K-16 educators, under the facilitation of Dr. Jan Sheinker, developed the standards.

Moore to become state’s Indian education coordinator
Keith O. Moore of Onida has accepted the position of Indian education coordinator with the South Dakota Department of Education. Moore is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and will begin his duties July 1.

Social studies content standards up for review
The Department of Education is forming a committee to revise the state’s social studies content standards. Committee work is slated to begin in June.

Opportunity Scholarship:
8^th grade algebra transition plan in place
Questions have arisen on how an 8^th grade algebra course fits into requirements for the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship. A transition plan has been created to address this issue.  

QZAB applications now available
Applications for authority to issue Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) are now available. South Dakota will make approximately $2.4 million in QZAB authority available to school districts.

Regent Scholar Diplomas available for 2005
The Regent Scholar Diploma program will be offered to graduating seniors in 2005. The future of the program has yet to be determined.

Ordering textbooks? Don’t forget electronic version
Changes concerning Braille, large print and audio textbooks are on the horizon. What does that mean for educators? Starting immediately, schools ordering new textbooks must require the publisher to provide an electronic “publisher’s file” for any textbook purchased.

Retiring, outstanding bus drivers to be recognized
Once again, the South Dakota School Transportation Association will recognize retiring bus drivers and a Bus Driver of the Year. Nominations are due April 15.

Observe “Through with Chew” week
To encourage students to quit using spit tobacco, schools are asked to observe Through with Chew Week, Feb. 13-19. 

Coordinated School Health offers spring training opportunities
The department’s Coordinated School Health Program will offer two training opportunities this spring. “Current Topics: School Health” is a DDN series devoted to school health issues. “LifeSkills Training” is a proven, highly effective substance abuse prevention program.

Summer institute to focus on new 3-Rs
Plan now to attend the Office of Career and Technical Education’s Summer Institute July 18-20 at the Ramkota RiverCentre in Pierre. The training’s focus will be on the new 3-Rs: rigor, relevance and relationships.

6+1 trainings to be held in Fort Pierre
Trainings addressing each of the 6+1 Writing Traits have been held throughout the school year. Two remaining trainings are slated for Feb. 24 (sentence fluency) and March 22 (conventions).