Media Releases
Welcome to the Department of Education's press room. Here you will find the latest news relating to education in South Dakota. If you need background or statistics for a story or an expert to help interpret the information, contact Jaeya Jones at (605) 773-5238.
Dec. 30, 2025
21CCLC Notice of Intent to Apply for Grant Funding Now Open
The window for a Notice of Intent to Apply for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030 is now open. The deadline for submitting a Notice of Intent to Apply is Jan. 26.
Dec. 30, 2025
Grants Awarded in Five South Dakota Communities
The South Dakota State Historical Society awarded matching grants to historic preservation projects in Keystone, Hot Springs, Doland, Roslyn, and Brookings.
Dec. 15, 2025
Over 50 Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway Graduates Signed Teacher Contracts in SD
The SD TAP provides paraprofessionals employed in an accredited school system the opportunity to earn a teaching certificate.
Dec. 12, 2025
School Districts Awarded Grant to Advance Statewide Literacy Initiative
The South Dakota Department of Education awarded 28 school districts the Elevating Literacy Across South Dakota Grant.
Dec. 5, 2025
Five JAG-SD Students Attended the National Student Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C.
The five state officers represented JAG-SD and participated in learning experiences that will strengthen their leadership skills.
Dec. 3, 2025
Make a Difference in Your Community: Sponsor a Summer Food Service Program
The South Dakota Department of Education's Division of Child and Adult Nutrition Services is seeking sponsors for the Summer Food Service Program, which provides nutritious meals and snacks to children in low-income areas during the summer months.
Nov. 24, 2025
2025 National ESEA Distinguished Schools
Milbank Elementary School has been commended for its excellence in serving special populations of students, and Tyndall Elementary School for its exceptional student performance and growth.
Oct. 31, 2025
Storytime South Dakota Events to Be Hosted at Libraries Across the State
Libraries across South Dakota will celebrate the joy of reading this November as the South Dakota State Library launches Storytime South Dakota.
Oct. 24, 2025
Report Card Numbers Show Promise
The percent of students performing at grade level on English language arts again rose one additional percentage point, reaching 52 percent. In math, the percent of students at grade level remained at 44.
Oct. 15, 2025
South Dakota Students Continue to Outpace National Peers on ACT
South Dakota's graduating class of 2025 earned an average ACT composite score of 21.0, well above the national average of 19.4. The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. The test includes four academic skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science.
Oct. 2, 2025
Two South Dakota Students Named U.S. Presidential Scholars
Each year, the U.S. Department of Education announces the names of the Scholars to honor high school students for their outstanding academic, artistic, and technical accomplishments, as well as their meaningful contributions to their communities.
Sept. 29, 2025
Five South Dakota Students Awarded Richard Hagen-Minerva Harvey Memorial Scholarship
The Richard Hagen-Minerva Harvey Memorial Scholarship honors enrolled members of federally recognized American Indian tribes who demonstrate strong personal character, cultural involvement, leadership, and a clear vision for their future educational and career goals.
Sept. 11, 2025
Avon educator selected as 2026 South Dakota Teacher of the Year
Becky Haenfler, a middle school English Language Arts teacher at the Avon School District, has been named the 2026 South Dakota Teacher of the Year.
Sept. 8, 2025
Three South Dakota Schools Selected as Blue Ribbon Schools
This prestigious award recognizes schools for their excellence in overall academic performance or for their progress in closing the achievement gap among student subgroups.
Sept. 5, 2025
State Library Recognizes Highly Effective School Libraries with New Statewide Award
The South Dakota State Library, proudly announced 10 school libraries as the recipients of the 2025-28 School Achievement Through Libraries Award.
Sept. 4, 2025
Eligible families may apply for free or reduced-price meals for school year 2025-26
The South Dakota Department of Education Child and Adult Nutrition Services has announced the policy for free or reduced-price meals or milk.
Aug. 28, 2025
Eighteen South Dakota Public Libraries Earn Accreditation
In August 2025, eighteen public libraries across South Dakota were awarded accreditation, recognizing their commitment to providing high-quality services to their communities. These libraries have met important benchmarks and are accredited at one of three levels: Essential, Enhanced, or Exemplary.
Aug. 28, 2025
South Dakota Librarians Achieve Certification
In August 2025, the State Library proudly awarded certification to 36 librarians representing 25 libraries. This voluntary certification program honors library directors and staff who have successfully met the established certification standards.
Aug. 15, 2025
South Dakota's Largest Classroom to welcome students during State Fair
South Dakota schools and homeschooling families invited to participate in free, hands-on learning experience.
July 24, 2025
JAG-SD earns prestigious 6-of-6 National Network Award
For the third year in a row, the Jobs for America's Graduates - South Dakota (JAG-SD) program has been recognized for excellence in achieving the prestigious "6-of-6 Award." JAG-SD is part of the national JAG network, which helps students persist through high school graduation and acquire the academic, employability, and technical skills they need to lead successful lives.
July 16, 2025
Third cohort of Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway candidates selected
TAP program invests in teacher aides, helping them to become certified teachers in South Dakota schools.
July 2, 2025
State Library recognizes highly effective school libraries with new statewide award
The South Dakota State Library, a division of the South Dakota Department of Education, is pleased to announce the 2025-2028 recipients of the School Achievement Through Libraries (SATL) Award.
June 17, 2025
Department of Education names Laura Scheibe as deputy secretary
DOE Director of the Division of College, Career, and Student Success to take on role of deputy secretary.
June 11, 2025
Fifteen South Dakota librarians earn Certificate of Public Library Management
The Public Library Training Institute provides training for librarians in topics such as research databases, educational opportunities in the library, AI in libraries, and more.
May 12, 2025
Teacher apprentices graduate May 10
Sec. of Education Joe Graves traveled to Dakota State University on May 10 to congratulate the graduates, who spent two years serving in their local schools and earning credits from DSU or NSU.
May 7, 2025
Six South Dakota school districts awarded over $600,000 for CTE programs
The grants are designed to help school districts modernize their Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, expand hands-on learning opportunities, and align curriculum with high-demand careers.
May 2, 2025
South Dakota recognizes Regional Teachers of the Year as part of Teacher Appreciation Week
Governor Larry Rhoden has proclaimed May 5-9 as Teacher Appreciation Week in South Dakota. As part of the celebration, the Department of Education is announcing this year's Regional Teachers of the Year. One of these five outstanding educators will be selected as the South Dakota Teacher of the Year.
March 18, 2025
DOE announces 2025 Special Education Staff of the Year
Eric Pedersen, a special education teacher at Aberdeen School District, was selected out of the 70 special education staff nominated in South Dakota.
March 17, 2025
JAG-SD students compete in state career development conference, select leaders
Jobs for America's Graduates students competed in areas including financial literacy, employability skills, and prepared speaking.
March 5, 2025
Teacher apprenticeship program to launch 3rd cohort this summer
The Department of Education is now accepting applications from paraprofessionals working in South Dakota schools to enter a program to become certified teachers.
Jan. 30, 2025
Nation's Report Card released: South Dakota performing well compared to nation
Students in South Dakota outperformed the national average in 8th grade reading and math, as well as in 4th grade math; 4th grade reading scores were equal to the national average.
Dec. 9, 2024
Out-of-school-time programs to submit Notice of Intent to Apply for 21st CCLC grant funding
Schools and other child-centered organizations interested in receiving a Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant for out-of-school time programs can now submit a Notice of Intent to Apply.
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Nov. 22, 2024
Make a difference in your community: Sponsor a Summer Food Service Program
The South Dakota Department of Education's division of Child and Adult Nutrition Services is seeking sponsors for a federally funded program that provides nutritious meals and snacks to children in low-income areas during the summer months.
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Nov. 12, 2024
Ethan and Timber Lake Elementary Schools honored as National ESEA Distinguished Schools
Two South Dakota schools have been recognized as National ESEA Distinguished Schools. Ethan Elementary School and Timber Lake Elementary School earned the honor based on the outstanding academic achievement of their students.
Oct. 18, 2024
Annual Report Card of school performance shows growth
The South Dakota Department of Education (DOE) released its 2023-24 Report Card today. The report showed academic growth in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. The statewide attendance rate also increased from 86 percent to 87 percent.
Oct. 16, 2024
South Dakota ACT scores remain strong
South Dakota's graduating class of 2024 earned an average ACT composite score of 21.1, well above the national average of 19.4, and the highest among neighboring states.
Oct. 7, 2024
South Dakota Sturdy curriculum developed to enhance students' grit, resiliency
The South Dakota Department of Education (DOE) is proud to announce a new program of study to encourage the development of life skills necessary to thrive in today's world. "South Dakota Sturdy" is a collection of lessons designed to be part of a school counseling program or general instruction.
Sept. 27, 2024
Verhelst selected as 2025 South Dakota Teacher of the Year
Amy Verhelst, a kindergarten teacher at Sioux Valley Elementary School in Volga, has been named the 2025 South Dakota Teacher of the Year. Secretary of Education Joseph Graves made the announcement at a banquet held this evening in Fort Pierre.
Sept. 23, 2024
Four South Dakota schools selected as Blue Ribbon Schools
Four South Dakota schools have been selected as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. The award recognizes schools for their excellence in overall academic performance or for their progress in closing the achievement gap among student subgroups.
Aug. 21, 2024
South Dakota Seal of Biliteracy available to high school graduates
South Dakota students who are on track to graduate from high school are now able to earn the South Dakota Seal of Biliteracy. This recognition, developed by the South Dakota Department of Education, is available for those students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English and another language.
Aug. 14, 2024
Eligible families may apply for free or reduced-price meals for school year 2024-25
Applications will be provided to households by their local school or agency. Families that are directly certified as eligible for free meals will receive a notice of eligibility from their school.
June 27, 2024
Eight students receive Hagen-Harvey Scholarships
Eight South Dakota students have received Richard Hagen-Minerva Harvey Memorial Scholarships. The scholarship program provides up to $6,000 over four years to enrolled members of American Indian tribes for study at an accredited university, college, or technical college located in South Dakota.
June 26, 2024
South Dakota schools receive $6.4 million in CTE grants
In a historic move, the South Dakota Department of Education has awarded 36 grants totaling $6.4 million to school districts to purchase innovative, industry-grade equipment for career and technical education (CTE) programs.
June 6, 2024
Free meals available for youth in many locations
South Dakota families can access nutritious, tasty food at summer feeding sites throughout the state. The Summer Food Service Program provides meals to children in low-income areas when school is not in session.
May 30, 2024
Special education reports now available online
Information regarding school districts' performance on improving the educational outcomes of students with disabilities is now available online. The Department of Education is required to provide the report annually.
May 28, 2024
Civics & History Summit to host 400 South Dakota educators
More than 400 South Dakota educators will attend the Department of Education's Civics & History Summit at the Sioux Falls Convention Center, June 3-4. The summit is designed to provide resources for South Dakota teachers as they prepare to implement the state's new social studies standards in their classrooms.
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May 14, 2024
CTE grants awarded to South Dakota schools
The Department of Education has awarded four grants totaling nearly $3.8 million to school districts to purchase equipment for new or existing career and technical education (CTE) programs. The grants were made possible by Senate Bill 59 from the 2023 legislative session, which allocated $5 million for CTE programs throughout the state.
May 6, 2024
South Dakota celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week and recognizes Regional Teachers of the Year
May 6-10 is Teacher Appreciation Week, a time to celebrate the teachers who dedicate their time and energy to the futures of the youngest citizens in South Dakota communities.
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May 2, 2024
2024 Workforce Education Grant recipients announced
Four South Dakota Workforce Education Grants totaling $840,051.39 have been awarded to South Dakota public school districts. The Workforce Education Grant program is designed to make transformative change for career and technical education (CTE) programs offered in middle and high schools throughout the state.
April 5, 2024
Teacher apprenticeship program to launch 2nd cohort this summer
South Dakota's successful Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway will be expanding, thanks to funding provided by the state legislature. The program provides paraprofessionals, or teacher aides, the opportunity to become fully certified educators.
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March 27, 2024
Free educational resources available to programs that serve youth
Professionals who work in out-of-school-time programs are invited to attend Path2Impact launch events across South Dakota. The launch events will provide participants with access to more than 350 lesson plans to use in their daily programming.
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March 6, 2024
DOE announces 2024 Special Education Staff of the Year
The Department of Education's 2024 Special Education Staff of the Year is Julie Williams, a speech language pathologist and assistant special education director at Gettysburg School District.
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March 4, 2024
JAG-SD students to attend Career Development Conference
Approximately 180 students from Jobs for America's Graduates - South Dakota (JAG-SD) will attend the 2024 JAG-SD Career Development Conference March 5 on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) in Mitchell.
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Feb. 20, 2024
Three South Dakota counselors and teachers earn National Board Certification
Two South Dakota school counselors and one teacher earned national certifications in 2023, demonstrating advanced knowledge and skill in their professions.
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Feb. 12, 2024
JAG-SD students to "Continue the Conversation" in Pierre
Student leaders from Jobs for America's Graduates-South Dakota (JAG-SD) program will gather in Pierre on Feb. 13 to meet with legislators and other government officials as part of a larger statewide project called Capitol Conversations.
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Dec. 20, 2023
Mission music teacher surprised with $25,000 Milken Educator Award
Albert Her Many Horses, a music and Lakota language teacher, received the prestigious Milken Educator Award for his work at Todd County Middle School on the Rosebud Reservation.
Dec. 18, 2023
Seven South Dakota public libraries earn accreditation
These accreditations designate these libraries as some of the best in the state. Accreditations signify that they are meeting important benchmarks for providing high quality library services to their communities.
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Dec. 08, 2023
Grants to support out-of-school time learning
The South Dakota Department of Education is supporting out-of-school time programs statewide. Such programs are encouraged to submit a Notice of Intent to Apply for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) grants.
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Nov. 28, 2023
Make a difference in your community: Sponsor a Summer Food Service Program
The South Dakota Department of Education's division of Child and Adult Nutrition Services is seeking sponsors for the Summer Food Service Program, which provides nutritious meals and snacks to children in low-income areas during the summer months.
Download PDF
Nov. 27, 2023
Students to represent JAG-SD at national leadership event in Washington, D.C.
Five students enrolled in South Dakota's Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG-SD) program have been selected to represent their peers at the JAG National Student Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C., Nov. 30 - Dec. 2.
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Nov. 16, 2023
Hamlin School District awarded CTE Collaborative Equipment Grant
Hamlin School District has been awarded $1.2 million to equip its new career and technical education (CTE) facility.
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Nov. 8, 2023
Grants awarded to address challenges of absenteeism
Four South Dakota school districts have been awarded Addressing Chronic Absenteeism Grants. These grants were awarded on a competitive basis to high-needs school districts.
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Nov. 2, 2023
Kadoka and Longfellow Elementary Schools honored as National ESEA Distinguished Schools
Two South Dakota schools have been recognized as National ESEA Distinguished Schools. Kadoka Elementary School and Longfellow Elementary School (Mitchell) were identified for their exceptional student performance and academic growth.
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Oct. 13, 2023
Annual Report Card of school performance shows positive growth
The 2022-23 Report Card outlining performance of South Dakota's public schools shows promising growth in key data at the school, district, and state levels.
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South Dakota outperforms nation on ACT
Oct. 11, 2023
South Dakota outperforms nation on ACT
ACT has released its 2023 results. South Dakota students earned an average composite score of 21.1, which is above the national average and the highest in the region.
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Sept. 28, 2023
Hawkins selected as 2024 South Dakota Teacher of the Year
George Hawkins, a social studies teacher at Jefferson High School in Sioux Falls, has been named the 2024 South Dakota Teacher of the Year. Secretary of Education Joseph Graves made the announcement at a banquet at the Highland Conference Center in Mitchell.
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Sept. 19, 2023
Three South Dakota schools named National Blue Ribbon Schools
Three South Dakota schools have been identified as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. The award recognizes schools for their excellence in overall academic performance or for their progress in closing the achievement gap among diverse groups of students.
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Aug. 23, 2023
Eligible families may apply for free or reduced-price meals for school year 2023-24
Child and Adult Nutrition Services in the South Dakota Department of Education has announced the free and reduced-price policy for free milk or free and reduced-price meals. The policy applies to children unable to pay the full price of meals or milk served under the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program, and/or the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The administrative office of each school or agency that participates in any of these federal programs have a copy of the policy available for review.
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Aug. 23, 2023
Department of Education launches statewide effort to build better readers
"The ability to read is foundational to all learning. Up until about 3rd grade, students are learning to read; after that, they are reading to learn," said Secretary of Education Joseph Graves. "Therefore, it's critical that our students have strong reading skills early in their educational careers."
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Aug. 11, 2023
Seven students receive Hagen-Harvey scholarships
Seven students have received Richard Hagen-Minerva Harvey Memorial Scholarships. The scholarship program provides up to $6,000 over four years for study at an accredited university, college, or technical college located in South Dakota to enrolled members of American Indian tribes.
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July 17, 2023
Teachers "hit the road" to discover state history, bring back to classrooms
Approximately 240 elementary and middle school educators began a week-long trek today, to explore the people, places, and events that figure prominently in South Dakota history. One group of teachers departed Sioux Falls for an East River history tour, while another left Rapid City for a West River tour.
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July 14, 2023
South Dakota earns JAG's prestigious 6-of-6 National Network Award
South Dakota and three local Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) programs were recognized for achieving the prestigious "6-of-6 Award" at the JAG National Training Seminar in Louisville, Ky., this week.
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July 10, 2023
South Dakota again receives highest ratings under IDEA
South Dakota has received the highest rating possible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, for federal fiscal year 2021.
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June 22, 2023
Five out-of-school time programs receive funding
Five 21st Century Community Learning Center grants have been awarded to provide funding for academic enrichment opportunities for students. This year's grant recipients join 25 existing grant recipients.
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May 31, 2023
Special education reports now available online
Information regarding school districts' performance on improving the educational outcomes of students with disabilities is now available online. The Special Education Report is released annually by June 1.
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May 18, 2023
Teacher apprenticeship pilot to launch next fall
The Department of Education, and its partners, announce the new Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway pilot, which will begin in the 2023-24 school year. The program's intent is to take successful para-educators, or teacher aides, and help them pursue certification to become fully accredited teachers.
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May 7, 2023
Regional Teachers of the Year announced
May 8-12 is Teacher Appreciation Week. As part of the observance, the Department of Education is recognizing five outstanding educators as South Dakota's Regional Teachers of the Year. One of these individuals will be selected as the state Teacher of the Year later this fall.
April 25, 2023
2023 Workforce Education Grant recipients announced
Five South Dakota Workforce Education Grants, totaling $822,250 have been awarded to South Dakota public school districts. In 2013, the South Dakota Legislature established the Workforce Education Fund. Part of that fund was designated to provide grants for career and technical education (CTE) programs in secondary schools.
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April 18, 2023
Two new schools to offer Jobs for America's Graduates in 2023-24
Huron High School and St. Francis Indian School will join the ranks of schools offering the Jobs for America's Graduates-South Dakota (JAG-SD) program next year, bringing the total number of programs in South Dakota to 13.
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April 3, 2023
Students to explore careers during South Dakota Week of Work
The annual South Dakota Week of Work is scheduled for April 3-7. During the week, middle and high school students will connect with local businesses and explore potential careers in South Dakota. It is also a time to celebrate work-based learning partnerships that happen year-round.
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March 8, 2023
Apply for Out-of-School Time Expansion Grants
Existing out-of-school time (OST) programs in South Dakota have the opportunity to apply for $50,000 to $200,000 grants to expand their existing programs. Applicants must be local education agencies, educational cooperatives, or nonprofit community-based organizations that support the academic school day during out-of-school time programs.
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March 8, 2023
First JAG-SD state officers selected
The first delegation of state officers for the Jobs for America's Graduates-South Dakota (JAG-SD) Career Association has been named. These inaugural JAG-SD state officers will forge a path for further development of JAG-SD. State officers will lend a student voice to policy development; help to plan and run statewide student events; and serve as ambassadors for JAG-SD at state and national events.
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March 3, 2023
2023 Perkins Reserve Grant recipients announced
Four South Dakota school districts have been chosen to receive South Dakota Perkins Reserve Grants, totaling $151,993. These funds will be used to provide major equipment upgrades to career and technical education (CTE) programs.
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Feb. 28, 2023
JAG-SD students to attend Career Development Conference
An anticipated 150 students from Jobs for America's Graduates-South Dakota (JAG-SD) will attend the 2023 JAG-SD Career Development Conference March 7 on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) in Mitchell.
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Feb. 9, 2023
Student leaders visit Pierre for CTSO Capital City Experience
February is National Career and Technical Education Month. As part of the celebration, 35 student leaders came to Pierre Feb. 7-8, for the South Dakota Career and Technical Student Organizations' (CTSO) Capital City Experience. Students shadowed legislators at committee meetings, observed House and Senate floor sessions, and learned about a variety of career opportunities in public service.
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Feb. 8, 2023
Education experts endorse South Dakota's proposed social studies standards
A group of distinguished education policy and thought leaders has endorsed the social studies standards being considered by the South Dakota Board of Education Standards. The group represents widely varying groups of academic thought and includes E.D. Hirsch, Ph.D., professor emeritus, Education and Humanities, at the University of Virginia; Joel Kline, former chancellor, New York City Public Schools; and Michael Petrilli, president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute.
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Feb. 6, 2023
JAG-SD students to "Continue the Conversation" in Pierre
Student leaders from Andes Central High School, Bennett County High School, Lyman High School, Todd County High School, Wagner High School, and all four public Sioux Falls high schools (Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Washington) will gather in Pierre on Feb. 14 to meet with legislators and other government officials as part of a larger statewide project called, "Capitol Conversations." The students are part of the Jobs for America's Graduates-South Dakota (JAG-SD) program, which is a leadership development and career exploration program for middle and high school students.
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Jan. 30, 2023
Check out state park passes from your local library
South Dakotans can check out state park passes from many public and academic libraries across the state through the new Check Out South Dakota State Parks program. The program is made possible through a partnership between South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) and the South Dakota State Library.
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Jan. 23, 2023
Make a difference in your community: Sponsor a Summer Food Service Program
The South Dakota Department of Education's division of Child and Adult Nutrition Services is seeking local sponsors to assist with running a federally funded program that provides nutritious meals and snacks to children in low-income areas during the summer months.
Download PDF
Jan. 19, 2023
Schools receive $260,000 in School Nutrition Program equipment grants
School systems across South Dakota have been granted more than $260,000 in School Nutrition Program equipment grants for new equipment or to renovate/replace existing equipment.
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Jan. 19, 2023
National group endorses South Dakota's proposed social studies standards
The National Association of Scholars and the Civics Alliance recently announced its support of South Dakota's proposed K-12 social studies standards, calling them "excellent" and "among the best in the nation."
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Jan. 11, 2023
South Dakota teachers, school counselors go above and beyond with professional certifications
Fifteen South Dakota teachers and school counselors earned or renewed national certifications in 2022, demonstrating advanced knowledge and skill in their professions.
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