Secretary's Column
By Dr. Rick Melmer
Department of Education

Seat Time = $$$?

I have had the opportunity to attend several conferences over the last few months, and high school reform continues to be a primary topic of discussion. Several themes emerge when high school reform is discussed, foremost of which is the need to personalize the high school curriculum. This simply means allowing students to choose a curriculum pathway that will assist them in accomplishing future postsecondary objectives. 

The South Dakota Department of Education is beginning to discuss more options for the high school experience. The concept of senior projects seems to be taking off in our state, and many districts are beginning to implement some component of the senior project model. South Dakota’s Classroom Connections laptop initiative continues to be a way that the curriculum can be a bit more personalized with students engaging in project-based assignments. Finally, the concept of internships will need to be discussed as we look for ways to personalize the high school curriculum. 

An advisory committee has been formed to discuss a Virtual High School in South Dakota. This approach would add one more dimension to the personalization of high school for students in South Dakota. 

However, even though all of the discussions mentioned above are occurring, very little discussion has taken place regarding how the funding of our educational system will follow these innovations.

Currently, school superintendents have very little incentive to move a student through his or her high school experience at an accelerated rate. Seat time equals compensation for students. Therefore, the longer the student stays in school, the more money he or she is worth to the school district. In order for our system to fundamentally change, it will require a new way of looking at funding options at the high school level. Should high schools be funded based on credits earned vs. seat time? That will be one of the fundamental questions that will face states across the country as they engage in high school reform. 

It would be my hope that superintendents and high school principals from around the state will continue to look for ways to personalize the curriculum for the students they serve. This discussion is only beginning. It is my hope that South Dakota can be one of the nation’s leaders in developing programs that will personalize the curriculum for high school students as they prepare for a world after their secondary experience.