Board approves rules for new accreditation system
At its March 2005 meeting, the South Dakota Board of Education approved rules for a new system to accredit the state’s school districts. The new system adds a performance element to the current regulatory assurances.
There are three major changes in the new system:
- Districts will be required to submit a district improvement plan.
- The Department of Education will conduct onsite accreditation visits on a five-year cyclical basis.
- Other approved accrediting agencies may be accepted in lieu of state accreditation.
The accreditation system still will require districts to submit their yearly submissions of student and staff data. In addition, districts must continue to comply with existing statutory and regulatory requirements for school safety.
“Accreditation is one way to keep us on the road to higher achievement,” said Dr. Rick Melmer, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Education. “By setting goals and reviewing our own performance, we ensure that we stay at the top of our game, offering the best education for the young people of this state.”
The requirements for the new system will be rolled out the next school year, with an estimated implementation date of fall 2006. An advisory council will develop the details of the district improvement plans and criteria for outside accrediting agencies, as well as details related to onsite visits.
When developing district improvement plans, districts will be able to pull from existing resources such as the Consolidated Application and information gathered at data retreats. They won’t have to re-create the wheel.
For more information, contact Melody Schopp, director of the department’s Office of Accreditation and Teacher Quality. (605) 773-5232. melody.schopp@state.sd.us
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