Once again, South Dakota schools have access to TechPaths at a reduced rate, thanks to a contract negotiated by the Department of Education. TechPaths is a powerful, user-friendly tool for aligning standards with curriculum maps. Through the contract, the Department of Education pays pay two-thirds of the cost of the software for one year, and districts pay one-third (approximately $14) per user.

The TechPaths system utilizes exclusive templates – embedded in the software – for the design of lessons, assessments and units. This provides searchable libraries of maps and the associated curriculum design work.

To take advantage of this opportunity, please visit the curriculum mapping Web page at http://doe.sd.gov/octa/mapping/index.asp. Here, you will find a wealth of information about curriculum mapping as well as a downloadable Memorandum of Understanding valid July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2009.

Prior to accessing the software, the district must sign the MOU and send two copies to:

Phyllis Tomkiewicz
South Dakota Department of Education
700 Governors Drive
Pierre, SD 57501

Questions regarding TechPaths can be directed to Mark Heilemann, Department of Education, at (605) 280-3612 or mark.heilmann@state.sd.us.