2007 Annual Report

A message from the Governor and Education Secretary

Dear Educator:

Since launching the 2010 Education Initiative in 2006, we have seen much progress. At the state level, the 2010 Education plan has become a routine part of our daily work. The goals and objectives outlined in the plan underlie every decision we make. South Dakota schools also have embraced many of the strategies described in the initiative. From Classroom Connections to South Dakota Counts to the Teacher Compensation Assistance Program, districts have implemented programs that align with their unique goals and plans.

In this report, we look back at the 2006-07 school year. Many of the items you will read about are part of the 2010 Education Initiative. Some of the accomplishments of which we are most proud include:

• We introduced legislation to increase the drop-out age to 18. The new requirement sets a higher standard for students and steers them toward graduation and higher lifetime earnings.

• We provided funding for a second round of South Dakota’s Classroom Connections laptop project. By the start of the 2007-08 school year, roughly 25 percent of all the state’s public high school students will have laptops.

• We launched the South Dakota Virtual High School. This valuable resource is a clearinghouse of distance learning courses – all approved by the Department of Education.

• We advocated for an Indian Education Act, designed to formalize the state’s commitment to the education of American Indian students.

• We provided $4 million to help districts address teacher pay locally through the Teacher Compensation Assistance Program.

In closing, we want to thank you for all the work you do on behalf of South Dakota’s children. As you go about your daily business – whether you’re a superintendent, a teacher, or a school board member – we ask you to keep this parting quote in mind: "Our world is changed not only by the mighty shoves of super heroes, but also by the tiny pushes of those who inspire children."

Sincerely,