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SECRETARY’S COLUMN: Three schools add JAG-SD programs Lyman, Oelrichs, and Sioux Falls have joined the #JAGFam! Jobs for America’s Graduates-South Dakota (JAG-SD) is a powerful program that supports students in persisting to graduation. This program has a proven track record of improving graduation rates, academic performance, attendance, job placement, and pursuit of further education and training. |
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HOT TOPICS | |
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Board of Education Standards to hold public hearing on proposed content standards Sept. 20 The South Dakota Board of Education Standards will hold the first of four public hearings on proposed content standards in the following subject areas at its Sept. 20 meeting in Aberdeen.
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JAG-SD expands to three more schools in 2021-22 The South Dakota Department of Education is pleased to announce that Lyman High School, Oelrichs High School, and Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls) have launched Jobs for America’s Graduates-South Dakota (JAG-SD) programs this school year, bringing the total number of schools to nine. |
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Civics and History Initiative pilot grants awarded; second round of applications open The first round of recipients of Civics and History Initiative pilot grants have been announced. Funded projects highlight the sacrifices of WWII veterans, implement the We the People program, and expand the study of Native American culture using the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and Standards. |
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September is Suicide Prevention Month All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide. For ideas on how to get involved, visit the South Dakota Suicide Prevention website. |
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OSEU survey now open: Encourage teachers to participate We invite all South Dakota K-12 educators to complete the state’s first-ever survey aimed at measuring educators’ perceptions of Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and Standards (OSEUs) implementation. Survey data will inform targeted professional development, support, and guidance aimed at increasing statewide capacity to implement the OSEUs. |
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Best Practices Webinar Series scheduled throughout September
Throughout the month of September, DOE will host a Best Practices Webinar Series that may help to spur ideas as schools consider how best to support students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. Sessions will be recorded and links will be shared. Topics range from competency-based instruction to options for providing tele-mental health services at school. |
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Submit new course code requests by Oct. 1
Districts may submit a request for a new course code to the Department of Education if a local course does not align to any of the state course descriptions. The request must include the following information: course title, course description, subject/content category, and standards addressed in the course. Approved course codes will be available for use for the following school year. |
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DOE offering monthly check-ins for district Title III/EL coordinators
On the first Thursday of the month throughout the 2021-22 school year, the Department of Education will be offering monthly check-ins for district Title III/EL coordinators. The department will share updates, answer questions, and facilitate networking among EL leaders across the state. Register today! |
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Reminder of school immunization requirements
The South Dakota Department of Health has asked the Department of Education to remind school leaders of the immunization requirements for school entry outlined in SDCL 13-28-7.1. More information on this topic is available on DOH’s website. Questions can be directed to Carol Chalcraft at DOH. |
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Check out introductory webinars on SD Framework for Teaching and SLOs
New to the South Dakota Framework for Teaching (Danielson) and the Student Learning Objective (SLO) process? Don’t miss introductory webinars Sept. 16 and 20. Administrators, consider inviting 1-3 teacher leaders to attend with you. Register here. If dates and times don’t work with your schedule, recordings will be made available. Questions? Email Gwen Taylor or call 605-295-2280. |
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Study shows positive impacts of participation in career and technical education
A recent report from the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Central shows students who were career and technical education (CTE) concentrators were more likely than non-CTE concentrators to graduate from high school on time, enroll in postsecondary education, and attain a postsecondary award or degree within two years. |
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Plan to crunch into local produce during Farm to School Month in October
In celebration of Farm to School Month, South Dakota State University Extension and the Department of Education’s Division of Child and Adult Nutrition Services are partnering to encourage schools to participate in the Mountain Plains Crunch Off Oct. 4-8. |
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DOE Contact Sheet for School Counselors updated
The DOE Contact Sheet for School Counselors has been updated for the fall semester of school year 2021-22. This contact list includes relevant points of contact at the South Dakota Department of Education and other state agencies, categorized by topic. The sheet is also posted on the department’s School Counseling webpage. |
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