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SECRETARY’S COLUMN: Where did the year go? As this school year starts to wind down, know that you have much to be proud of and that the team here at the department is celebrating your commitment to students. You devote your professional life to instructing, encouraging, and inspiring our young people to be their best. Over the past school year, I’ve had the joy of visiting many schools and seeing educators’ work in action. This week, I’m meeting several of our new Regional Teachers of the Year. These stops fill me up and ground me for the work the department is charged with. South Dakota schools are second to none and are a critical part of the livelihood of our communities. I commend you for your work and celebrate your dedication! I love when I can be even a small part of the activity. In the fall, I got the opportunity to read to little ones in Blunt, Onida, and Pierre as part of Read for the Record Day. Their curiosity and energy are a delight (and a vibrant reminder of why I so admire the care and patience of elementary teachers!). That same day in Gettysburg, I got to join in a community assembly to congratulate students and teachers on their Blue Ribbon award-winning work. When I spoke, I pulled a high school student, Seth, from the crowd and challenged him to jump as far as he could across part of the basketball court. Then as we talked about stretching ourselves and rising to the challenge of being our best, I asked if he thought he could jump even further. He did. I wish I’d had my tape measure with me because it was impressive. These are just a couple examples, and because they happened in the fall, I’m curious how much those students have grown, just a few months later. No doubt they’ve matured, learned, and could now jump even further, literally and figuratively. In closing, I’d like to share a personal story that illustrates how great teachers are impactful in the moment and across our lives. In January, I got to attend the ribbon cutting at Lemmon’s new junior high and high school (where I graduated). During my visit, I was able to reconnect with Mrs. O’Donnell, my sixth grade teacher. She was truly amazing - bright, demanding, and fun. She fostered our personal responsibility for learning, was so patient with my curiosity, and carved out space for us to serve others. In science one day, we were talking about the esophagus muscles and how they function in digestion - peristalsis! I raised my hand right away: “But how can our bodies vomit if there are muscles intended to keep food down?” I could see in her face that I’d asked one too many questions that day. Instead of losing her cool, she told me to grab the medical encyclopedia from the shelf. Bless her. It was also in her class that pairs of us were released from time to time to walk the few blocks north to the nursing home to read the weekly newspaper to residents. What a wonderful woman. She now leads my hometown school board. Thank you to Mrs. O, and all the other dedicated education professionals like her in our state, for your influence and service. Have a great summer! 
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Newly approved suicide prevention trainings available The Board of Education Standards has approved three new suicide prevention trainings to meet the requirement of SDCL 13-42-71 [https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/Codified_Laws/2042500] for educator certification. One clock hour of approved youth suicide awareness and prevention training is required for educators for initial and renewal certification. Newly approved trainings:
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New social studies commission announced 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 new commission is comprised of 15 members, plus a facilitator who will help manage the preparation of the draft standards that will be put forth for public review. The purpose of the first meeting is to allow the commission to get organized and begin a review of the draft Social Studies Content Standards. “The goal of this review process is to receive input from a diverse range of experts, including parents, educators, and Native Americans to create the best standards for our schools and ensure that our kids learn true, honest, and balanced social studies,” said Secretary of Education Tiffany Sanderson. “This thorough and transparent process allows for us to develop strong and comprehensive standards for our schools to continue to improve upon the education provided to our children.” The Social Studies Content Standards Commission is comprised of the following members:
An overview of the South Dakota Content Standards process may be reviewed here [https://doe.sd.gov/contentstandards/]. |
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High school accountability measure to change The U.S. Department of Education has approved an amendment to South Dakota’s ESSA State Plan [https://doe.sd.gov/essa/]. The change is to the state’s accountability system, and specifically, the College & Career Readiness Indicator for high schools. Currently, the College & Career Readiness Indicator consists of two measures: Assessment Readiness and Coursework Readiness. The change is to the Coursework Readiness measure, which will now align with the state’s graduation requirements. High schools will receive points for each student who earns one of the three advanced endorsements available for graduation. This measure replaces the previous measure, which included several options: CTE concentration, passing a dual credit course or an Advanced Placement exam. DOE is working to update all materials to reflect this change. |
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DOE announces Regional Teachers of the Year The South Dakota Department of Education is pleased to announce the following individuals as South Dakota’s Regional Teachers of the Year:
The National Teacher of the Year Program began in 1952 and continues as the oldest, most prestigious national honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. The 2023 National Teacher of the Year will be announced during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in spring 2023. |
SD Week of Work a success, panel recordings posted online Thank you to the school districts who participated in the 2022 South Dakota Week of Work and provided tremendous work-based learning opportunities for their students during this special week and to those who do so all school year long! This event helps introduce middle and high school students to career opportunities in their own communities and across South Dakota. Below is a sampling of in-person activities from several school districts. Hanson High School held activities throughout the week: Community Worker Riddle, SD Week of Work Task Cards, job shadowing, and Company Chats. For participating in some of the activities, students could enter drawings for a chance to win prizes at the end of the week. Dakota Valley High School students heard from a keynote speaker at a kickoff event, went on industry tours, and attended a career fair. Huron High School also held a career fair. Thank you to panelists and moderators who also helped make the week a success through online discussion panels. Panel recordings and business videos are available at SDWeekofWork.com.
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2022 Workforce Education Grant recipients announced Nine South Dakota Workforce Education Grants, totaling $1,418,942 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 programs in secondary schools. Additional grants were awarded this year because the program is being supplemented with $360,042 in federal dollars available to the Department of Education through the American Rescue Plan. “Career and technical education provides young people hands-on learning opportunities and helps them connect their classroom experience to their options for education and careers after graduation,” said Secretary of Education Tiffany Sanderson. “I commend these districts and their industry partners for offering cutting-edge programs in our middle and high schools.” The purpose of the grant program is to make transformative change in career and technical education programs offered in middle and high schools. High quality CTE programs give students the knowledge, skills, and experiences to be prepared for postsecondary education and the workforce. Partnerships among secondary education, postsecondary education, and business and industry lay the foundation for modern CTE programs.
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Check out menu of professional learning options 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 [https://forms.gle/2ntMFd3a2QiFzHVy9]. Participation is on a first come, first serve basis. Questions? Email Jordan Varilek [Jordan.Varilek@state.sd.us]. Read more at https://doe.sd.gov/pressroom/educationonline/2022/05/documents/MenuofOptions.pdf. |
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DOE sets targets for State Performance Plan 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. An outline of the process used and final results [https://doe.sd.gov/sped/documents/FFY20-25-SPPtargets.pdf] are now available on the department’s State Performance Plan webpage [https://doe.sd.gov/sped/SPP.aspx]. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires each state to develop a six-year State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR) 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 SPP/APRs include results indicators that measure child and family outcomes and other indicators that measure compliance with the requirements of the IDEA. |
DOE to host Curriculum Directors Day 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 [https://southdakota.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=14456]. Questions? Contact Vera Tipton [Vera.Tipton@state.sd.us] in the department’s Division of Learning and Instruction. |
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Congratulations to 2022 Perkins Reserve Grant recipients 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, for a total of $368,335.09. Congratulations! These grants will provide funds to improve CTE programs that focus on industrial alignment, reducing barriers for special populations, and innovative delivery.
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Summit to help build support for youth experiencing homelessness 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 [https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MWWXVWB]. |
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Upcoming Events Except where otherwise noted, details on the following events are available at GoSignMeUp [http://southdakota.gosignmeup.com/].
Board of Education Standards
Interpreting ACCESS for ELLs Score Report Overview webinar
Grants Management Work Sessions
PREPaRE training – Comprehensive School Safety Planning: Prevention through Recovery
Driver Education Endorsement classes
PREPaRE training – Mental Health Crisis Interventions: Responding to an Acute Traumatic Stressor in Schools
Curriculum Directors Day
Title Programs Bimonthly Zoominars
Growing Great Readers
Breaking Down Barriers and Building Support Summit
Top 20 Training
CTE Summer Conference
Save the Date: Indian Education Summit |