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• Dakota STEP testing begins
The Dakota STEP testing window has opened. Test administration began April 2 and must conclude by April 20.
>>> LEARN MORE.

• April is School Library Month
Spring is a good time to celebrate school libraries – and to recognize the contributions that library staff make in improving educational outcomes for students.
>>> LEARN MORE.

• i3 Fund grants announced
The U.S. Department of Education has issued notices inviting applications for “validation grants” (up to $15 million) and “scale-up grants” (up to $25 million) through the Investing in Innovation, or i3, Fund. School districts, groups of schools, and non-profits organizations in partnership with districts and schools are eligible to compete for these grants, with applications due May 29. Grant awards will be made to those with the strongest proposals for expanding promising or effective educational practices to improve learning.
>>> LEARN MORE.

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Dakota STEP testing begins

The Dakota STEP testing window has opened. Test administration began April 2 and must conclude by April 20. Students in grades 3-8 and 11 will be tested in reading and math. Science is tested in grades 5, 8 and 11.

Throughout the testing window, Department of Education staff will visit various districts across the state. Staff will contact the district’s testing coordinator at least 48 hours in advance to discuss this visit.

Questions regarding administration of the Dakota STEP should be directed to Gay Pickner, Department of Education, at (605) 773-3247.


April is School Library Month

Spring is a good time to celebrate school libraries – and to recognize the contributions that library staff make in improving educational outcomes for students. April is School Library Month, and across the country, schools are taking this opportunity to encourage students to spend time reading over the summer.

Today’s school libraries and librarians play a critical role in making sure that children are strong readers. But they also are charged with making sure students are information literate, which means the role of school libraries and librarians is increasingly important and constantly expanding.

Join South Dakota State Library staff for an online chat about this role on April 12. Click here to learn more.
©2012 South Dakota Department of Education - 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD