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

 In the mirror

The 2007 legislative session is nearly complete. At the time of this writing, we are between the end of the regular session and veto day. The Department of Education will be communicating with local school districts regarding the details of education legislation and how it will impact schools.

There were three themes that seemed to permeate the 2007 legislative session, and I wanted to take the opportunity to identify those themes and the impact that they may have on our schools. 

Teacher compensation

From the beginning of the session until the end, the topic of teacher compensation was prevalent among legislators. The Governor’s Teacher Compensation Assistance Program, or TCAP, proposal was introduced for the first time in the 2006 legislative session. It continued to receive significant discussion this session. There were other bills that proposed teacher compensation ideas, and the Legislature was clearly interested in those topics. Whether the discussion was about performance pay, market compensation, or district goals and objectives, the Legislature seemed to understand the need for specific attention to the issue of teacher compensation. I believe this is an exciting development that will only help us recruit and retain teachers in South Dakota.

Education of all students

During the legislative session, two specific groups of students were discussed in detail regarding specific bills. The Indian Education Act identified our American Indian students and discussed the importance of promoting American Indian culture within our state. Some of the Indian Education Act confirmed in statute what is currently in place in administrative rule. Other parts of the statute challenged the Department of Education to develop curriculum modules that can be used in the classrooms to teach Native traditions, culture and language.

Discussion also took place regarding education for Hutterite students. Traditionally, Hutterite students in South Dakota cease their educational programs at 8th grade. However, more Hutterite families are beginning to have an interest in extending that educational career to the high school level. Even though no specific legislation passed in this area, the education of Hutterite students at the high school level will continue to be a statewide discussion.

Education book ends

During the 2007 session, preschool education and compulsory attendance to 18 were both debated. The Department of Education and a number of legislators advocated for the ability to promulgate rules to create accreditation and certification guidelines for preschool.  Unfortunately, that issue did not pass and no doubt will be debated in the 2008 legislative session. 

The compulsory attendance age to 18 was introduced during the 2006 legislature and nearly passed at that time. The momentum continued during the 2007 session, and the issue was passed by both legislative bodies. As a result, beginning with the 2009–10 school year, students in South Dakota will be expected to stay in school up to the age of 18. 

In addition to the financial discussions that are always a part of each legislative session, the Department of Education is grateful for the legislators’ willingness to listen to language issues that also will impact South Dakota schools for the future.