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SECRETARY’S COLUMN: A promising school year lies ahead A new school year is quickly approaching. Too quickly for some – my middle schooler is not excited about how fast his summer is slipping away! We now know that, despite the challenges of a global pandemic, nearly 90 percent of accredited South Dakota schools engaged their students in in-person learning during the 2020-21 school year, to the benefit of students and their families (from the COVID-19 Impact Survey schools completed in May 2021). You can now access the survey report [https://doe.sd.gov/publications/documents/CovidReport.pdf] on our website. We are so grateful for the efforts of school leaders, educators, and staff to facilitate students’ overall well-being: working to balance students’ physical health and safety with their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. We also know there are students who struggled, disengaged, and lost academic ground through the pandemic. The 2021-22 school year is our opportunity to re-engage students, address mental health needs, and assist those who were most impacted by disruptions in learning. If we do this effectively, the K-12 system will be stronger and better than before. While we’ll continue some COVID-19 mitigation efforts, our focus has shifted largely to emerging from the impacts of the COVID year as a stronger education system. All of us are looking forward to more normal operations in schools this year as you welcome back students and staff from their summer breaks. The South Dakota Strong Schools 2021-22 [https://doe.sd.gov/strongschools/documents/SDStrongSchools-072721.pdf] guidance highlights ways this can happen. We expect schools will continue to provide primarily in-person instruction and efforts begun in 2020-21 to assess and address learning loss and to re-engage students who may have disconnected from their learning during the pandemic. We know that some schools may opt to provide long-term virtual learning options for students and families who prefer that option and who are committed to student achievement. These options should provide quality learning experiences that are aligned to state content standards and be led by qualified, well-trained teachers. It will continue to be important to monitor local health conditions as they relate to COVID-19 and make decisions based on the best interests of students, staff, and families. Be transparent with your local school boards, staff, students, and community to communicate decisions and the underlying assumptions guiding those decisions. There are still challenges before us, but I am so optimistic about the 2021-22 school year. Thank you for all you do for South Dakota students! |
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Proposed content standards posted for public comment The South Dakota Board of Education Standards will hold four public hearings at locations across the state throughout the 2021-22 school year on proposed content standards in the following subject areas:
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ARP Homeless Children and Youth competitive grant opportunity opens A competitive grant opportunity is available under the American Rescue Plan Homeless Children and Youth program. This is the first of two opportunities: one is competitive; the second will be formula based. Find more info in this grant background document [https://doe.sd.gov/pressroom/educationonline/2021/08/documents/ARP-Homeless-Grant.pdf]. Interested districts should submit this Notification of Intent to Apply [https://doe.sd.gov/pressroom/educationonline/2021/08/documents/ARP-Homeless-Notification.doc] by Aug. 25. Questions? Contact Dawn L. Smith [DawnL.Smith@state.sd.us], 605-773-2535. |
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Alternative Instruction Notification system now available The Alternative Instruction Notification webpage [https://doe.sd.gov/oatq/homeschooling.aspx], required by SB 177 [https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/22190], is now accessible via the Department of Education’s website. Families wishing to provide their students with alternative instruction need to fill out the online notification form. A paper form may also be downloaded. We will host several training sessions for school personnel in August. More information to come. |
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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 both Parts B and C for the most recent reporting year of federal fiscal year 2019. The state is one of only 12 across the country to meet the requirements and purposes of IDEA under both Parts B and C, according to information released recently from the U.S. Department of Education. "The families, service providers, and school districts who work together to provide high quality services to infants, toddlers and students with disabilities are to be commended. Results at this level only happen through dedication and teamwork," said South Dakota Secretary of Education Tiffany Sanderson. IDEA Part B measures and reports the effectiveness of special education services at the preschool and K-12 levels, while Part C refers to the state’s Birth to Three program, which provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers ages birth until a child’s third birthday with developmental delays. Under Part B, federal fiscal year 2019 marks the sixth year in a row that South Dakota “meets requirements,” which is the highest rating a state can receive. Under Part C, this is the fourth year that South Dakota has been determined to "meet requirements." IDEA requires each state to develop a State Performance Plan and Annual Performance Report that evaluates the state’s efforts to implement the requirements and purposes of the IDEA and describes how the state will improve its implementation. The Part B and Part C SPP/APRs include indicators that measure child and family results and other indicators that measure compliance with the requirements of the IDEA. Since 2015, Part B and Part C SPP/APRs have included a State Systemic Improvement Plan through which each state focuses its efforts on improving a state-selected child or family outcome through implementation of an evidence-based practice. IDEA details four categories for determinations:
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Application deadline extended to Sept. 1: Science and special education teachers needed to help with assessment review
The South Dakota Department of Education has an opportunity for science and special education teachers to help with the review of Performance Level Descriptors and standard setting for the South Dakota Science Assessment (SDSA) and the South Dakota Science Assessment-Alternate (SDSA-Alt). Apply by Aug. 20. Who: Elementary, middle, and high school science and special education teachers What: Review of Performance Level Descriptors for score reporting and standard setting to determine the cut scores for score reporting.
When:
Where: This work will be conducted virtually. Participants will need a reliable device and high-speed internet. What is included for participants: Districts will be reimbursed for the cost of substitute teachers. Continuing education contact hours available. Deadline to apply: Sept. 1
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Sign up for 2021-22 Comprehensive Needs Assessment workshops
When's the last time your school conducted a comprehensive needs assessment? Where do you start? Who can you call for help? Is there a tool to use? We’re hosting year-long regional South Dakota Comprehensive Needs Assessment (SDCNA) workshops in school year 2021-22 designed to build capacity in conducting the needs analysis, looking at both qualitative and quantitative data sources. The SDCNA regional workshop is designed to build schools’ capacity in conducting the needs analysis, looking at both qualitative and quantitative data sources. The workshops are intended for schools identified for school improvement (targeted support and improvement), Title I schoolwide schools, and any school that would like support conducting a needs analysis. Schools will navigate the process with the support of a facilitator trained in the South Dakota Comprehensive Needs Assessment process. Title I schoolwide schools are required to conduct a needs assessment aligned to the framework by the end of the 2021-22 school year and once every five years. We would encourage Title I schoolwide schools to participate if they have not completed their needs assessment. The series consists of five sessions:
Questions? Please email Jordan Varilek [Jordan.Varilek@state.sd.us].
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School directory information due Sept. 1
Please take time to update your district/school directory information within the Department of Education’s Ed Verification Database. It’s critical that directory information is correct, as this database is the source used by all DOE offices to officially communicate with school administrators. This information also appears on DOE’s website. Superintendents should have received an email on July 15 with instructions. Questions? Email Jennifer Rattling Leaf [jennifer.rattlingleaf@state.sd.us]. |
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Office of Assessment offering two programs for educators
Beginning in school year 2021-22, the Office of Assessment is offering two great opportunities for educators to learn more about effective use of assessment. Sign up today!
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New mental health resource available
DOE has published a new guide [https://doe.sd.gov/mentalhealth/documents/Overview.pdf] to help school leaders understand the different roles that school-based mental health providers play in South Dakota’s school settings. We hope this is helpful, especially as districts consider using ESSER funding to address students’ mental health needs. Find this resource and others on the DOE mental health webpage [https://doe.sd.gov/mentalhealth/]. Questions? Please contact Andrea Diehm [andrea.diehm@state.sd.us]. |
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Apply by Aug. 13 for FCC grant opportunity
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced a funding opportunity to cover broadband connections for off campus use by school students and staff, including WiFi hotspots on school buses. Schools may apply for funding for purchases made July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022. Applicants must certify the support is for eligible equipment or services for students and/or staff who would otherwise lack access to connected devices and/or broadband sufficient to engage in remote learning. The opportunity includes a maximum of $250 per WiFi hotspot and $400 per connected device. The current application period will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on Aug. 13. To apply, schools must have an active FCC registration number and a SAM.gov [https://sam.gov/content/home] registration account or apply for those before submitting the application. For more information, visit www.emergencyconnectivityfund.org. |
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Upcoming Events Except where otherwise noted, details on the following events are available at GoSignMeUp [http://southdakota.gosignmeup.com/].
Virtual PBIS Monthly Webinars
IEP Transition
IEP Basic – HERO in IEP Process
New Assessment Coordinators Workshop
Planning with the WIDA ELD Standards Framework
IEP Advance – Do you have the evidence?
Northern Plains Law Conference on Serving Students with Disabilities
Board of Education Standards
IEP Early Childhood Workshop – Building the Bridge
Community Response to Child Abuse Conference |