The Board of Education Standards has approved three new suicide prevention trainings to meet the requirement of SDCL 13-42-71 for educator certification. One clock hour of approved youth suicide awareness and prevention training is required for educators for initial and renewal certification.

In April, the Department of Education announced the formation of a new Social Studies Content Standards Commission. The group’s first meeting was held May 4. The commission will meet throughout the summer.

The U.S. Department of Education has approved an amendment to South Dakota’s ESSA State Plan. The change is to the state’s accountability system, and specifically, the College & Career Readiness Indicator for high schools.

The South Dakota Department of Education is pleased to announce the following individuals as South Dakota’s Regional Teachers of the Year:

• Region #1: Alyssa Cassels, 5-12 band instructor, Deuel School District
• Region #2: Deb Jensen, kindergarten, Viborg-Hurley School District
• Region #3: Loretta Knodel, third grade, Avon School District
• Region #4: Jennifer Weishaar, first grade, Aberdeen School District
• Region #5: Jennifer Macziewski, K-1 Primary, Rapid City Area Schools

The South Dakota Department of Education’s Office of Title Programs is offering an opportunity for schools to choose from a menu of professional learning opportunities. Participants will commit to an ongoing, hands-on opportunity of their choice. This opportunity is free. Schools can express interest by completing this questionnaire. Participation is on a first come, first serve basis. Questions? Email Jordan Varilek.

DOE’s Special Education Programs (SEP) has set targets for all students with disabilities receiving special education services in a public school district. SEP worked with stakeholders in 2021 to determine new baselines and targets and develop strategies to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Join the Department of Education for a time of collaboration and connection with state leaders and South Dakota curriculum directors. The day will include a panel discussion with South Dakota leaders in curriculum and instruction. The meeting will be held in Pierre. Register by May 30. Questions? Contact Vera Tipton in the department’s Division of Learning and Instruction.

Perkins Reserve Grants, which provide funds to support the purchase of industry-grade classroom equipment or curricula and high-quality professional development opportunities, were recently awarded to nine school districts. Congratulations!

The Breaking Down Barriers and Building Support summit aims to bring together those who work to support families with children ages birth through grade 12. School districts, state agencies, and community-based organizations are invited to hear a shared message, connect, and build relationships. Register today.

Board of Education Standards
May 6, Rapid City

Interpreting ACCESS for ELLs Score Report Overview webinar
May 10, online

Grants Management Work Sessions
May 16, Pierre
May 17, Pierre

PREPaRE training – Comprehensive School Safety Planning: Prevention through Recovery
May 31, Vermillion

Driver Education Endorsement classes
May 31-July 1, Northern State University

PREPaRE training – Mental Health Crisis Interventions: Responding to an Acute Traumatic Stressor in Schools
June 1-2, Vermillion

Curriculum Directors Day
June 6, Pierre

Title Programs Bimonthly Zoominars
June 21

Growing Great Readers
MTSS Summer Education Conference
June 21-22, Oacoma

Breaking Down Barriers and Building Support Summit
June 23, Oacoma

Top 20 Training
(Schools can use ESSER funds to attend this training)
July 21-22, Oacoma

CTE Summer Conference
July 24-27, Sioux Falls

Save the Date: Indian Education Summit
Sept. 8-10, Rapid City