• Secretary's Column
• South Dakota’s 2007 Report Card:
  Movement toward 100 percent proficiency continues
• South Dakota’s ACT scores on the rise
• Schools get $5,000 for commitment to student health
• Law requires reporting when criminal conviction involved
• Non HQ teachers:
  Districts must submit plan to reach HQ
• New 21st Century Community Learning Centers announced
• Pine Ridge schools to provide fresh fruits, vegetables
• Preventing the spread of West Nile at school events
• Hot Topic
• Upcoming Events

Secretary's Column

Today is the day

I am involved in a men’s group that meets once a week. The group is a true source of fellowship and encouragement for me. We discuss a variety of issues that impact our daily lives. One topic that continues to surface is the topic of “influence” – the opportunity that each of us has to make a positive difference in the lives of those people around us. When we begin to calculate the opportunities, we realize that we all have many, many opportunities to brighten someone’s day through our actions and words.

About two weeks ago, one of the group members mentioned a saying that he has tried to live by over the course of the past few years. The saying was “Today is the day.” It is a simple sentence with a powerful meaning. He reminded us that each of us wakes up each day with a choice to make. We can choose a variety of paths with our words, actions and thoughts. He said that he tried, each day, to make the most of each day and truly take to heart the saying “Today is the day.”

As we begin yet another school year, I have reflected on that sentence. First of all, I am reminded each year that education is one of the few vocations that get to start over each year. Secondly, all of us have the same choice that my friend mentioned. We all can decide that “Today is the day.” We can choose to make a positive difference in the lives of those that we come in contact with in our schools. This column will be read by a wide group of people, so you’ll need to determine what you can do with each day if you choose to adopt the “Today is the day” motto. For me, I appreciate people that choose to do one of the following things when they interact with me:

* Encourage me in my work
* Ask me about my family
* Show honest and sincere appreciation in response to something that I did
* Challenge me in an area where I can improve my performance
* Provide diplomatic feedback on the work that I am doing

Education is a vocation that hinges on relationships with others. This year, we can all decide that “Today is the day.” Better yet, we can decide that “This year is the year” that I can make a difference in the lives of the students, teachers, parents and administrators that I come in contact with.

Our time in education is brief. Let’s make the most of it. Today is the day!

The 2007 South Dakota Report Card, released on Aug. 17, shows progress toward the goal of 100 percent proficiency in math and reading, as required by the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

“Overall, we are very pleased with the statewide Dakota STEP results,” said Education Secretary Rick Melmer. “South Dakota students typically demonstrate high levels of achievement, and this year is no different. Our statewide graduation rate, which is another key indicator, remains solid. Educators and students should be proud of their accomplishments.”

The South Dakota Report Card is based largely on the test scores of approximately 63,000 public school students in grades 3-8 and 11 who took the Dakota STEP, or State Test of Educational Progress, last spring. The test, which covers math and reading, is the state’s assessment tool under No Child Left Behind. Next year, students will be tested in science as well.

Seventy-four percent of all students tested in 2007 scored proficient or advanced in math, compared to 73 percent last year. Eighty-two percent scored proficient or advanced in reading, compared to 83 percent last year.

“We didn’t see dramatic increases at the all-student level, but we didn’t expect them either,” Melmer said. “When you get up into these higher ranges of proficiency, it becomes more challenging to keep the needle rising.”

Math scores move ahead, reading drops slightly
At the state level, the math scores of all students tested increased by 1 percent. “One of the positive things we see at this level is progress among most of the subgroups of students for which schools are held accountable,” Melmer said.

One of the subgroups state leaders watch carefully is Native American students, since they make up nearly 11 percent of the student population. Native American student scores in math have increased from 27 percent proficient to 45 percent in the five years the Dakota STEP has been administered.

At the state level, the reading scores of all students tested dropped 1 percent. “The proficiency target for reading increased this year, and we saw a slight drop in scores,” Melmer explained. “But our scores still remain very strong.” Some subgroups, such as Native American students, saw their reading scores advance, while others held steady or dropped slightly.

The elementary grade groupings – grades 3-5 and 6-8 – saw jumps in both math and reading proficiency. Proficiency at the high school level, where only 11th grade students are tested, slipped slightly in both areas.

According to Melmer, a number of factors might contribute to that trend. “Part of it might be the complexity of the test at the high school level. Also, at the high school level, you see students going in a variety of directions when it comes to coursework. They’re not all taking the same math or science classes.” He noted that the new graduation requirements should help to focus students on core content areas. “It’s one more reason that we need to continue to push for more rigor at the high school level.”

One final indicator at the high school level, the statewide graduation rate, remained high. In 2007, the graduation rate was 89.07 percent, compared to 89.91 last year.

Meeting goals can be challenging
Under No Child Left Behind, schools must meet proficiency targets in math and reading in a variety of subgroups. Schools also must meet a target for graduation or attendance rate. If schools don’t meet these adequate yearly progress goals for two consecutive years, they are identified as “in improvement” and must complete a school improvement process.

This year, 90 were identified for improvement, up from 83 in 2006. According to Melmer, making adequate yearly progress toward proficiency goals can be a challenging process – especially for schools with a diverse student population. “The more diverse the student body, the more areas in which a school is held accountable,” he explained.

2007 Dakota STEP Results (All grades, proficient and advanced)

Schools get $5,000 for commitment to student health

Three South Dakota schools and one school district were announced as winners of Governor Rounds’ Healthy School Awards in August. Each received a $5,000 prize.

Winners included Eureka Elementary School, Spearfish Middle School, Eureka High School, and Colman-Egan School District.

“Our world is filled with opportunities for kids to make unhealthy choices – chewing tobacco, drinking soda instead of milk, watching television instead of being physically active,” said Gov. Rounds. “These winning schools have made a commitment to their students’ health by creating an environment that promotes healthy behaviors through school policies, curriculum and instruction, and through staff role-modeling.”

Winning schools were chosen for their efforts in areas such as health education, physical education, family and community involvement, school-based nutrition programs, health services, healthy school environment, and counseling services.

Many of this year’s winners have instituted walking programs at their schools. Spearfish Middle School students walked the distance to Boston and celebrated with a tea party at the end of their journey. Eureka High School purchased a vending machine that offers only healthy snacks, and the school removed all pop from its vending machines.

The Governor’s Healthy School Awards provide recognition for leadership in the area of school health. Winners are chosen at four levels: elementary school, middle school/junior high, high school, and school district. In addition to the cash prize, winners receive a banner to display at their schools.

Finalists for the awards received a plaque. This year’s finalists included Groton Elementary School, Madison Elementary School, Groton Middle School, Edison Middle School (Sioux Falls), Arlington School District and Brandon Valley School District.

Law requires reporting when criminal conviction involved

As we head into a new school year, superintendents should be reminded of mandatory reporting requirements related to the suspension or resignation of an employee due to criminal conviction.

Existing statutory language reads as follows:

13-10-15. Suspension or resignation of employee for criminal conviction -- Reporting. If a school board or governing body of any accredited school suspends an employee or an employee resigns or is terminated as a result of a criminal conviction, the superintendent or chief administrator shall, within ten days of the date of the suspension or the date the employment is severed, report the circumstances and the name of the employee to the Department of Education. Any superintendent or chief administrator who fails to report under this section is subject to sanctions found in §13-8-48.

SDCL 13-8-48 identifies financial sanctions for any school district employee who fails to make a report as noted above.

South Dakota law also provides for a Code of Ethics for Administrators and a Code of Ethics for Teachers. All teachers and administrators in the state are bound by the appropriate code. The Department of Education strongly encourages superintendents to inform employees about the Code of Ethics.

To report a violation of either Code of Ethics or to determine whether an action should be reported, please contact Lisa Lomheim at the Department of Education, (605) 773-4705.

Each year, school districts are required to submit a "Plan of Intent" for assisting any teacher who is not considered highly qualified to reach that status by the school year’s end. The requirement is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to meet the highly qualified component of No Child Left Behind.

Last year was the first year districts were required to submit the "Plan of Intent." It is now an annual requirement, which has been incorporated into the Personnel Record Form submission. A plan must be submitted for each teacher that is not considered highly qualified.

Please note: The "Plan of Intent" for Highly Qualified Teachers replaces the old Authority to Act form.

For more information about the "Plan of Intent," please contact Lanette Johnston at (605) 773-8415.

Eight organizations recently received grants to establish or expand 21st Century Community Learning Centers across South Dakota.

The federal program funds community learning centers designed to provide students with academic enrichment opportunities outside of school time. Centers provide a range of services to support student learning and development, including tutoring and mentoring, help with homework, and community service opportunities. They also may provide music, arts, sports and cultural activities.

Recipients received awards of $50,000-$100,000 per year for five years.

Re-funded in 2007-08:

• Smee School District
• St. Francis Indian School

Newly funded in 2007-08:

• Belle Fourche Elementary and High School
• Boys and Girls Club, Marty
• Boys and Girls Club, Cheyenne–Eagle Butte
• Black Hills Special Services (working with Oyate Center, four
• Rapid City academies)
• Lutheran Social Services–Cleveland Elementary School,
• Sioux Falls
• Rapid City YMCA

For more information about the program, visit http://doe.sd.gov/oess/21cent/index.asp or contact Sue Burgard at (605) 773-5238.

Ten schools located across the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation recently were selected to participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program for the 2007-08 school year. The schools receive funding to provide free fresh fruit and vegetables to students throughout the school day. More than 4,000 students are expected to be served.

Participating schools include:

• Batesland School
• Rockyford School
• Wolf Creek School
• Our Lady of Lourdes School
• Red Cloud Indian School
• Porcupine School
• American Horse School
• Little Wound School
• Loneman School
• Pine Ridge School

The goals of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program are to increase students’ consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, introduce students to a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and to encourage students to make healthier choices in their diets.

The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Department and the South Dakota Department of Education’s Child and Adult Nutrition Services.
 

edCAST: Tune in for ideas, information

The department is launching a new tool to communicate with schools. It’s called “edCAST,” and it’s available via our homepage at www.doe.sd.gov. 

Similar to a mini radio program, edCAST will “broadcast” ideas and information about education in South Dakota. The target audience includes school administrators and teachers, but anyone can listen.

Our first featured edCAST is with Keith Moore, the Department of Education’s director of Indian education. (Click here to listen.) Down the road, we hope to interview school leaders and teachers who are out in the field doing what you do best: leading our schools and educating our children. Our plan is to highlight best practices, successful strategies and programs, and interesting people in the education field.

If you’ve got an idea for an edCAST topic or an interesting person to interview, please e-mail Mary Stadick Smith at mary.stadicksmith@state.sd.us. 

The South Dakota Department of Health reminds school leaders to promote the use of mosquito repellent at outdoor school activities this fall. Transmission of West Nile virus will be a threat until the first hard freeze, according to Secretary of Health Doneen Hollingsworth.

South Dakota is now in its sixth year of West Nile virus transmission. Since 2002, the disease has sickened more than 1,400 South Dakotans and taken the lives of 23. While the elderly and those with certain medical conditions are at highest risk, anyone can get the disease. South Dakota has reported cases in all age groups, including the young and healthy. The most effective way to prevent the spread of the disease is local mosquito control programs combined with personal protective measures such as using insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

“Encouraging your students and faculty to use mosquito repellent might seem like a small step. But when combined with the many other mosquito control and public education efforts underway, it provides a strong, consistent prevention message that can help reduce the risk of West Nile virus,” Hollingsworth said.

Many communities plan expanded mosquito control efforts for large events and mass gatherings. Consider checking with your local program about the possibility of control efforts targeted at outdoor school sporting events that draw large crowds.

Indian Education Summit:
Strategies for helping students get ahead

A Regional Indian Education Summit, titled “Our Voice. Your Voice. One Voice.”, will be held Sept. 19-21 at the Ramkota in Rapid City. A lineup of national and local experts will discuss strategies related to student achievement, language and culture, and teacher recruitment and retention in Indian Country.

“Native American students account for nearly 11 percent of enrollment at the state’s public schools,” said Keith Moore, director of Indian education for the South Dakota Department of Education. “This conference brings together people involved in educating our Native students to share their successes and to talk about strategies for addressing specific challenges.”

Keynote speakers include Dr. Ben Chavis, Dr. Paul Gorski and Dr. Martin Reinhardt. Chavis is the director of American Indian Public Charter School in Oakland, Calif. Under his leadership, the school has been transformed from one of Oakland’s worst performing schools to one of its highest performing. Dr. Paul Gorski, an assistant professor at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn., will present “Beyond Color Blindness: Being an Anti-Racist Educator.” Dr. Martin Reinhardt, research associate for the Interwest Equity Assistance Center at Colorado State University, will present “Conceptualizing American Indian Education.”

Breakout sessions will address a variety of topics including: teaching math in a cultural context, tribal perspectives on American history, online tutoring solutions, culturally responsive methodology for elementary teachers, positive systemic change, addressing racism issues, and more.

Educators, parents, legislators and others who work with Native American students are invited to attend. Registration for the summit is $100.

The event is hosted by the South Dakota Department of Education and Technology and Innovations in Education.

Click here to view the agenda or to register. For more information, contact Keith Moore at (605) 773-6118.

Upcoming Events

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

• Workshops cover new reading/language arts standards
• Turning would-be dropouts into graduates
• Get online:
  Health Education Standards and Assessment Training
• Systems Change Conference targets school leaders
• LifeSkills Curriculum Training set for November

Workshops cover new reading/language arts standards
New reading/language arts standards were approved by the South Dakota Board of Education last spring. This fall, the Department of Education will host workshops designed to help educators better understand the format and content of the new standards.

Reading/Language Arts Standards Rollouts are slated for:

• Sept. 25, Sioux Falls
• Sept. 27, Watertown
• Oct. 2, Mitchell
• Oct. 3, Rapid City

Workshop participants will separate into grade groups: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. This will help participants focus on the standards they will utilize in their classrooms. Each participant will receive a copy of the standards and supplementary standards-based classroom activities.

For more information, go to www.southdakotapd.com and search for the event by date.

Turning would-be dropouts into graduates
In 2009, South Dakota’s compulsory school attendance age increases from 16 to 18. The Juvenile Justice Symposium III, Sept. 27-28, will offer practical ideas and assistance for professionals who will help would-be dropouts become high school graduates. The event will take place at the Ramkota in Pierre.

The theme of this year’s symposium is “Community Partnerships that Keep Kids in School.” Participants will hear from experts in truancy prevention, diversion programs, model court practices, and systems of care that encourage graduation of at-risk youth. Session topics include: “What works with tough kids,” “Implementing compulsory school attendance law – successes and lessons learned,” “Positive behavior interventions and supports,” and more.

The event is convened by the South Dakota Council of Juvenile Services. For information, call South Dakota Voices for Children at (605) 367-9667.

Get online:
Health Education Standards and Assessment Training
Coordinated School Health will offer an online training related to South Dakota’s health education standards and assessment. The training will be held over a four-week period beginning Nov. 1 and ending Nov. 30.

The South Dakota Health Education Standards and Assessment Training is designed to provide participants with information and skill-building opportunities related to South Dakota’s health education standards and assessment of those standards.

Participants will explore the core concepts and skill categories of the health education standards. They will learn to align standards, assessment and instructional activities as well as obtain practice in scoring student’s work. Participants will learn to differentiate between assessment for the purpose of accountability and assessment for the purpose of instructional improvement.

This training is appropriate for elementary teachers, curriculum directors, health education teachers, administrators, school counselors, school nurses, parents, and other interested individuals.

Approval has been granted for one hour of graduate or undergraduate credit or for one Department of Education certificate renewal credit. The course also may be taken for no credit.

For more information about course objectives or to register, go to http://doe.sd.gov/oess/schoolhealth/training/index.asp.  Or contact Karen Keyser, Coordinated School Health, at (605) 773-6808 or karen.keyser@state.sd.us. 

Systems Change Conference targets school leaders
The 2007 Systems Change Conference will take place Nov. 14-16 at Cedar Shore Resort in Chamberlain. It is designed to be a powerful and practical professional development experience for education leaders. This year’s agenda features keynote speakers Neil Howe, best-selling author and an authority on generations in America; Dr. Rick Melmer, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Education; and Gary Marx, president of the Center for Public Outreach.

The event is hosted by the Midwest Alliance for Professional Learning and Leadership and a host of partners, including the Department of Education. For more information, visit www.systemschange.midwestmaple.org. 

LifeSkills Curriculum Training set for November
The South Dakota Departments of Education and Health, Department of Human Services and Regional Prevention Resource Centers will host a LifeSkills Curriculum Training Nov. 28-29 at the Holiday Inn City Centre in Sioux Falls.

Lifeskills Curriculum Training is a proven, highly effective substance abuse prevention program. The training is recommended for teachers, counselors, prevention advocates, safe and drug free school coordinators, and school nurses. It is designed to:

• provide students with the necessary skills to resist social pressures to smoke, drink, and use drugs;
• help students develop greater self-esteem, self-mastery, and self-confidence;
• enable students to effectively cope with social anxiety;
• increase students’ knowledge of the immediate consequences of substance abuse.

Approval has been granted for one hour of graduate or undergraduate credit or for one Department of Education certificate renewal credit. The course also may be taken for no credit.

For more information about the course objectives or to register, go to http://doe.sd.gov/oess/schoolhealth/training/index.asp.  Or contact the Coordinated School Health staff at (605) 773-3261.

back to top