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SD Department of Education
March 2022  
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Tiffany Sanderson

SECRETARY’S COLUMN: Know a teacher who’s an administrator-in-the-making?
Secretary Sanderson invites school administrators to nominate outstanding teacher-leaders to attend the Aspiring School Leaders Retreat in April in the Black Hills. The event is a joint effort of School Administrators of South Dakota, TIE, and the Department of Education.

 
 
 
HOT TOPICS
Proposed rule changes address special education, school psych endorsement

The Board of Education Standards will hold a hearing on proposed changes to Administrative Rules 24:05, 24:28, and 24:53 at its meeting April 7 in Mitchell. The board is taking public comment on the proposed changes now. Visit rules.sd.gov and follow the Department of Education link to review the proposed rule changes and provide comment.


Workforce Education Grant applications due March 31

Workforce Education Grant applications are due March 31. These grants provide school districts and private, nonprofit entities that provide specialized training in South Dakota the opportunity to make transformative change in career and technical education programs. For more information visit the department’s Workforce Education Grants webpage or email Jamie Boettcher.


SD Week of Work Plan for students to participate in
SD Week of Work

The South Dakota Week of Work will take place April 11-15. Resources are available on the Schools page of the Week of Work website to help educators and 10th and 11th grade students prepare for an engaging week of local in-person activities aimed at exploring career opportunities. Live panel discussions with business and industry leaders from across the state will also be held virtually.

 
 
 
Award-winning teachers

Award-winning SD teachers honored in Pierre

2022 State Teacher of the Year Stephanie Ballard (Brookings, third from left) and Regional Teachers of the Year Koreen Hammel (Hot Springs), Barb Nicholas (Huron), Jenna Peters (Britton-Hecla), and Kristi Desaulniers (Tea Area) were in Pierre recently. They met with Governor Kristi Noem and were recognized in House and Senate chambers for their work. Kudos to these outstanding teachers!

 
 
 
 
ESEA Schools

Explorer and Platte-Geddes elementary schools honored at national conference
Explorer Elementary (Harrisburg) and Platte-Geddes Elementary were recently honored at the National ESEA Conference held in New Orleans as 2021 National ESEA Distinguished Schools. Explorer Elementary was recognized for excellence in serving special populations of students (e.g. homeless, migrant, English learners, etc.), and Platte-Geddes Elementary was recognized for exceptional student performance and academic growth for two or more consecutive years. We are so proud of these outstanding schools!
 
 
 
 
Win a free fitness center for your school!

Elementary and middle schools can apply to receive a state-of-the-art DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center as part of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Council’s DON’T QUIT! Campaign. The NFGFC will select three South Dakota public schools to be outfitted with a fitness center in their school. School leaders have until March 16 to apply. Nominate your school here; click on the South Dakota state seal. Questions? Email Kelly McKeag, executive director, NFGFC.
 
 
 
 
Administrative rule waiver forms updated

Applications for waivers of administrative rule are due July 1 for the 2022-23 school year. These application forms have all been updated, so please make sure to use the most current version found on DOE’s Administrative Rule Waiver webpage. Common waivers include the Credit Before Grade Nine waiver, and the 3rd Year Plan of Intent waiver. All current waivers, and their expiration dates, by district may also be found on the webpage. Finally, all waivers must be addressed in your school improvement plan as well. Waiver questions should be directed to doeaccred@state.sd.us.

 
 
 
 
Upcoming Events

A complete listing of events is available at GoSignMeUp.

School Counselor Collaboration meetings
March 2, 2-3 p.m. CT
April 1, 10-11 a.m. CT

Using a Trauma Lens to Support Your Students
March 8, Pierre
March 22, Sioux Falls
May 3, Rapid City

English Learner Supports for State Academic Assessments: What is Allowable?
March 10, online

Attendance Trends and Student Performance
March 15, online

South Dakota Special Education Conference
March 15-16, Sioux Falls

SD-STARS Power User Training
March 29-30, Sioux Falls
April 5-6, Pierre
April 12-13, Rapid City
May 5, virtual follow-up meeting (included when registering for any of the above locations)

SD Advisory Panel on Children with Disabilities
March 31, Pierre

TIE Conference
April 4-5, Sioux Falls

Board of Education Standards
April 7, Mitchell

SD Regional Math Circles
April 8, Sioux Falls
April 9, Pierre
April 9, Rapid City

Secondary Grades and Writing with Multilingual Learners
April 19-20, Chamberlain

Title Programs Bimonthly Zoominars
April 19, June 21

South Dakota History Conference: Fighting the Good War
April 22-23, Pierre

Save the Date: MTSS Summer Education Conference
June 21-22, Oacoma

ExCITE! 2022 (formerly School Library Boot Camp)
July 2022, online

Top 20 Training
July 21-22, Oacoma

 
   
 
Printable version of this newsletter.
 
 

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