• Secretary's Column
• Legislation impacts schools
• Virtual High School launches March 15
• Recognize your classroom teachers
• New immunization required for kindergarten entry
• 22 receive mini-grants to promote healthy lifestyles
• Cultural exchange could take teachers to Turkey
• Supplemental service providers needed
• Hot Topic
• Upcoming Events

Secretary's Column

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.

Legislation impacts schools

With the 2007 legislative session ended, schools are wondering how this year’s legislation will impact daily operations. This story summarizes many of the K-12 education-related bills that survived this year’s session. For a summary of the education funding package, click on the Hot Topic link to the right.

Please note: An asterisk beside a bill number indicates that the Governor has not signed the bill as of the time this e-newsletter was published.  

SB 199*
Compulsory attendance to age 18

Brought forward by the Governor, this bill requires students to stay in school until they reach the age of 18 or they graduate. The requirement takes effect July 1, 2009. Schools will need to consider options such as alternative programs, career and technical education courses, and Virtual High School offerings to assist students.

SB 1290
Indian education

This bill makes state government’s commitment to Indian education permanent by putting it into law. It formally establishes the Office of Indian Education within the Department of Education and the Indian Education Advisory Council. It codifies the requirement that teachers complete a course in Indian Studies and establishes a pilot program in Lakota language instruction.

HB 1291
Teacher Compensation Assistance Program

While this bill was tabled in the House, its major concepts were folded into the final education funding package. HB 1291, which called for the establishment of a Teacher Compensation Assistance Program (TCAP), represented the Governor’s interest in addressing teacher salaries.

SB 68
Revise use of the Institute Fund

The state’s teacher recruitment and retention efforts will get a boost as a result of Senate Bill 68. Currently, the Institute Fund can only be used to develop and publish bulletins, accreditation rules and similar materials. With the change, the department can support key recruitment and retention efforts such as the Governor’s New Teacher Academy.

SB 87
School board representation

This bill eliminates the existing requirement that the number of school board representation areas is the same as the number of board members. Thus, it paves the way for school board members to be elected through a combination of representation areas and at large. This arrangement will be especially beneficial to districts considering consolidation, as a means to ensure equal representation.

SB 195
Admission fees used to support local activities

This bill allows members of the High School Activities Association to take any portion of the admission fees gathered at a single event (one event per year, per activity) and give it to a local group that supports interscholastic activities (eg., booster club). The school board must approve, in advance, how the local organization will use the funds. The monies may be placed in an endowment fund.

HB 1033
The “cheating” bill

This bill outlines what happens when cheating occurs on a state-required test. After an investigation at the local level, the Secretary of Education determines whether the incident was severe enough to affect test results. (Note: A case in which one student writes the answers on his shoe would be treated differently than a teacher providing a class of 25 students with answers.) If cheating is determined to be severe, a school may be denied adequate yearly progress for that year. The bill also gives the secretary authority to suspend or revoke the certificate of any certified personnel who knowingly compromised the test.

HB 1035
Revise grade levels for state writing assessment

The Department of Education continues to study the best way to assess writing in South Dakota. House Bill 1035 provides some flexibility by removing the requirement to test writing in specific grades (currently, grades 5 and 9). However, it does not eliminate the requirement to test writing.

HB 1037
Eliminate requirement for certificate of health

Under current law (13-43-3), all school employees and student teachers are required to submit a certificate of health within 10 days of employment. House Bill 1037 repeals this requirement. The bill does not limit a school board’s ability to require an employee to submit to a physical if it is deemed necessary.

HB 1113
Credit for distance courses  

This bill requires school districts to use the South Dakota Virtual High School for any distance courses. Since the Department of Education approves all SDVHS providers and courses, this ensures a measure of quality, consistency and equity for students statewide. The bill provides some exceptions. For example, if District A provides a course to District B via a distance method, that arrangement would be acceptable under the new law.

HB 1236
Paving the way for Iowa border agreement

House Bill 1236 allows the Department of Education to enter into an agreement with the State of Iowa to establish an open enrollment program. South Dakota already has such an agreement with North Dakota. This bill simply gives the department authority to begin discussions with Iowa.

HB 1266*
Partial enrollment for home school students

Under this bill, school districts are required to accept home school students who may attend less than 50 percent of the time (partially enrolled). The requirement extends to the resident district as well as a nonresident district. The bill does not impact a district’s decision regarding home school students’ participation in extracurricular activities.

Virtual High School launches March 15

South Dakota’s new Virtual High School launches March 15. At that time, schools can register their high school students for a variety of courses. Most of the courses currently offered begin with the 2007-08 school year.

What is it?
The South Dakota Virtual High School is a clearinghouse of distance courses offered by providers that have been approved by the South Dakota Department of Education. Courses are offered in a variety of formats, but mainly online or via the Digital Dakota Network. It’s online at www.sdvhs.k12.sd.us.

Who can use it? 
Any high school student enrolled in a South Dakota school can take courses via SDVHS. This includes students at public, private, tribal and BIA schools. Interested students must work with their school’s Virtual High School coordinator to make sure virtual classes are the best option available. Home school students can take advantage of the curriculum offerings, as long as they enroll and register through their resident public school district.

How does it work?
Local schools oversee students who wish to take courses via the Virtual High School. That means schools approve or deny a student’s request to take a virtual course. They also register students for courses. Students may not register on their own. Registration is done electronically at www.sdvhs.k12.sd.us.  

What is the cost? 
The cost of courses available via the South Dakota Virtual High School depends on the provider, the length of the course, and sometimes by the number of students enrolled in a particular course. Most of the current course offerings fall into a range between $200 and $350 per ½-credit course.

In general, the resident school district covers the cost of students taking courses via SDVHS. However, a school may deny a student’s request to take a virtual course. There may be cases when the school asks the student to pick up part or all of the cost, before approving a request. The districts may use their state aid to pay for virtual courses in the same way they use it for students taking traditional courses.

How can I learn more?
First, you can check out the site at www.sdvhs.k12.sd.us. You can access a complete list of Frequently Asked Questions and a video of a training session held in late February. Finally, you can give the Department of Education a call at (605) 773-3134.

Recognize your classroom teachers

Attention, school administrators! If you have a teacher who represents the state’s best and brightest educators, we want to hear from you.

The Department of Education maintains a list of Emerging Classroom Leaders, which consists of distinguished teachers and principals from across South Dakota. These educators may be considered for membership on advisory boards and task forces, as well as candidates for special recognition programs.

Candidates must have a minimum of five years of experience in education. Candidates must be building-level personnel. They are typically classroom teachers, as opposed to specialists, and are recognized by peers and supervisors as unique in their growth. Occasionally, a principal or specialist is considered. Previous recognition is not required.

To nominate someone for our Emerging Classroom Leaders Pool, please print out the online “Talent Pool Recommendation Form” and return it to Lanette Johnston, Department of Education, 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501, no later than May 1, 2007. In addition to filling out the form, we ask that you include a one-page narrative and a resume if possible. Please keep your recommendation confidential and do not share it with the individual.

Questions can be directed to Lanette Johnston at (605) 773-8415. lanette.johnston@state.sd.us.

New immunization required for kindergarten

Schools should be aware of a new vaccination requirement beginning with the 2007-08 school year. According to the South Dakota Department of Health, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices now recommends a two-dose Varicella series for prevention of chicken pox. Previously, the recommendation had been one dose.   

Due to this recommended change, two doses of Varicella or history of disease will be required for kindergarten entry beginning with the 2007-08 school year. Since many parents don’t vaccinate their children for Varicella until school entry, they will need advance warning of this change.  

Please notify the parents of kindergarten children of the changed recommendation and that they will need to make certain their child has the required vaccinations for school entry. Information regarding this change was sent to school nurses earlier this year.

Two exemptions – religious or medical – are available.

For information, contact Tammy LeBeau, South Dakota Department of Health, at (605) 773-4783.

22 receive mini-grants to promote healthy lifestyles

Twenty-two schools and childcare programs have received $1,000 mini-grants to promote nutrition and physical activity. The mini-grants will fund a variety of projects, including family nights at the school gym, fruit and veggie eating challenges, walking initiatives, and growing a vegetable garden. The mini-grants were made possible by funding from Team Nutrition and Coordinated School Health.

The following entities received mini-grants:

• Bethesda Sharing Center, Aberdeen

• Black Hills Special Services, Sturgis

• Black Hills Workshop, Rapid City

• Boys and Girls Club, Watertown (after-school program)

• Children’s Care School, Sioux Falls

• Colman-Egan School

• Custer Elementary School

• Eureka Public School

• Grant Deuel School

• Iroquois School District

• Jones County School District, Murdo

• Lil Pioneers Preschool Daycare, Rapid City

• Lower Brule Sioux High School

• Lutheran Social Services, Sioux Falls (after-school program)

• Rapid City Area Schools

• Redfield Elementary School

• Redfield High School

• St. Joseph School, Pierre

• St. Thomas School, Madison

• Tiospaye Topa School, La Plant

• Volunteers of America, Sioux Falls

• Washington Elementary School, Pierre             

For more information about Team Nutrition, go to http://doe.sd.gov/oess/cans/nutrition/. For information about Coordinated School Health, go to http://doe.sd.gov/oess/schoolhealth/index.asp.

Cultural exchange could take teachers to Turkey

Supplemental service providers needed

Organizations interested in providing supplemental educational services under No Child Left Behind may apply beginning April 2. Organizations must be equipped to provide high quality, research-based academic instruction in reading and math. Services are provided outside of the regular school day.

Each year, the South Dakota Department of Education develops a list of approved providers that can assist schools identified as “in improvement” under NCLB. These supplemental service providers offer free tutoring to eligible children enrolled at the school. The school district covers the cost of the service to eligible families.

Supplemental service providers must meet certain requirements. Potential candidates include community agencies, private schools, individuals, child care centers, public schools, libraries, community colleges, universities, private companies, tutoring services, faith-based organizations and after-school programs.

A free information session for those interested in applying to become a supplemental service provider is set for April 5, 1-4 p.m., at the Kneip Building, Conference Room 3, in Pierre. The session will address both the responsibilities of a supplemental service provider and the application process.

Upcoming Events

For a more complete list of professional development opportunities, visit www.southdakotapd.com.

• NCLB conference targets teachers

• Driver's ed: Ride, Sally, ride!

• PD for new teachers

• Jump into good nutrition

• DOE provides free AP Institutes for teachers

NCLB conference targets teachers

Plans are underway for the first South Dakota No Child Left Behind Conference in several years. The conference, which is aimed at Title teachers and directors, will be held April 18-19 at the Crossroads Hotel in Huron.

Dr. Rick Melmer, secretary of the Department of Education, will address the group on April 19. Keith Moore, the department’s Indian education director, will discuss the state’s GEAR Up program for Native American students on April 18.

Breakout sessions will cover a variety of topics including the Achievement Series, Response to Intervention, students in poverty, parent involvement, and the National Assessment of Educational Progress. In addition, sessions will be presented on Title III – Limited English Proficiency; Title I Part D – Delinquent and Neglected; Title I Part C – Migrant; and the education of children experiencing homelessness.

One DOE renewal credit is available. Register online at http://doe.sd.gov/oess/index.asp.

For more information, call the Department of Education’s Office of Educational Services and Support at (605) 773-6400.

Driver’s ed: Ride, Sally, ride!

Interested in getting an endorsement in driver’s education? Northern State University is offering the coursework this summer.

DRED 460 will be held June 4-8, and DRED 480 will be held June 11-15. Times will be from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. IE 450 is offered per correspondence, and students can begin at any time. All are three-credit courses. Cost will be approximately $200 per credit.

For more information, contact Northern State’s Extended Studies Office at (605) 626-2568 or Terry Richardson at (605) 225-9042.

PD for new teachers

First- and second-year teachers are invited to attend one of the 2007 Governor’s New Teacher Academies. The first takes place June 6-8 at Black Hills State University in Spearfish. The second will be held July 11-13 at Dakota State University in Madison.

During the Governor’s New Teacher Academy, teachers will have opportunities to:

• Celebrate the accomplishments of their initial years of teaching.
• Reflect on their progress as a teacher and the resulting influence on student achievement.
• Develop professional relationships to achieve common educational goals.
• Participate in activities that demonstrate their commitment to the teaching profession.

The deadline to register for either event is April 13. The Governor’s New Teacher Academy is designed for South Dakota classroom teachers who are new to the teaching profession and completing their first or second contract year.  

Online registration and further details are available at http://doe.sd.gov/oatq/newteacher.asp. 

For more information, contact Lanette Johnston at the Department of Education, (605) 773-8415. lanette.johnston@state.sd.us.

Jump into good nutrition

Registration is now open for the 2007 Certification Institute, which provides 30 hours of training in one week for those who work with child nutrition programs. The event is scheduled for June 24-29 at Augustana College in Sioux Falls.

Click here to view the agenda.  New this year is online registration, which is also available at this link.  If you are unable to register online, a paper registration form is available. 

For more information about the 2007 Certification Institute, please contact Amy Richards or Janelle Peterson, Child and Adult Nutrition Services, at (605) 773-3413.

DOE provides free AP Institutes for teachers

The Department of Education is funding teachers in public school districts across the state to attend Advanced Placement Institutes this summer. AP Institutes are a weeklong institute where teachers of a specific subject area come together to learn, in detail, about teaching an AP course.

By attending an AP Summer Institute, teachers will receive help in understanding content, choosing texts, supplementary materials, and a host of contacts that can help them as they teach their specific AP course. Public school teachers attending an AP Institute will receive a $50 per-day stipend and will be reimbursed for room and board.

The following AP Institutes will be offered this summer:

• Composition and Literature, June 18-22, University of South Dakota
• Human Geography, June 25-29, South Dakota State University
• Chemistry, July 9-13, South Dakota State University

For more information, contact Michelle Mehlberg with the South Dakota Department of Education at (605) 280-3614.