Federal grant to address teacher compensation
South Dakota recently was awarded a five-year, $20 million federal Teacher Incentive Fund grant. TIF rewards improvements in teaching and learning as measured by increases in student achievement. Thirty pilot schools will participate.

AYP expected by mid-August
Public school districts can expect to receive their adequate yearly progress determinations for 2006-07 in mid-August. Districts currently are reviewing their preliminary determinations and student data files to clean up any reporting errors. Districts must make any changes to their student data files by Aug. 8, 5 p.m. (CDT).

DVDs help educators understand Native students
A two-part DVD series, produced by South Dakota Public Broadcasting, is designed to help educators better understand the Native American students they serve. Knowledge and understanding can lay the groundwork for improved learning.

Technology standards approved
Beginning in 2008-09, South Dakota will have K-12 educational technology standards for the first time. The South Dakota Board of Education approved the proposed standards at its July meeting.

Writing assessment moved to spring
In the past, the statewide writing assessment has been administered in the fall. Beginning with the 2007-08 school year, the testing window for this assessment will be moved to the spring.

South Dakota commits to 21st century skills
This summer, South Dakota became the fifth state to join the Partnership for 21st Century Skills’ State Leadership Initiative. The national initiative promotes the teaching and learning of 21st century skills.