Ed Online Homepage





SD Department of Education
May 2022  
  Ed Online Graphic
 
 
 
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!



 
 
 
HOT TOPICS
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:

  • Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention
  • More Than Sad: Suicide Prevention for Teachers and Other School Personnel
  • Child & Adult Advocacy Studies (CAASt) Training Series
More information on each training is provided on the Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training page [https://doe.sd.gov/suicideprevention/] under “Approved In-Person Group Training.” Any educator who received a 5-hour certificate of completion for attending the CAASt training in its entirety on Dec. 22, 2021, may use it as an approved suicide prevention training for educator certification. An “open-to-all” K-12 CAASt training is offered virtually on May 13 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. CT. Visit the CAASt K-12 Training Series [https://www.sdcpcm.com/child-adult-advocacy-studies-program/] page for more information and to register. For questions on CAASt trainings, contact Tracy Thomes [tracy.thomes@usd.edu].


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:

  • Mark Miller, Chair of Commission
  • Joe Circle Bear
  • Janet Finzen
  • Stephanie Hiatt
  • Benjamin F. Jones, Ph.D. – State Historian
  • Dylan Kessler
  • Aaron Levisay
  • Christopher Motz
  • Shaun Nielsen
  • Fred Osborn – State Director of Indian Education
  • Jon Schaff
  • Mary Shuey
  • State Representative Tamara St. John
  • Samantha Walder
  • State Senator John Wiik
The social studies standards are reviewed every seven years. The standards provide the expectations for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. School districts use them to inform local K-12 curriculum. Once approved by the commission, the draft standards will be open to public review, which includes four hearings at locations around the state. The Board of Education Standards will make a final decision on approval after the public comment period has concluded.

An overview of the South Dakota Content Standards process may be reviewed here [https://doe.sd.gov/contentstandards/].


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.

 
 
 
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:

  • 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
A statewide panel of educators will select one of these regional finalists to represent the state as the 2023 South Dakota Teacher of the Year. The 2023 South Dakota Teacher of the Year will be announced this fall. That individual will be South Dakota’s candidate for the National Teacher of the Year Award.

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.


Hanson High School students at a Company Chat with Mitchell Emergency Medical Services


Dakota Valley students gather for their Week of Work kickoff event


Huron High School students attend their school’s career fair

 
 
 
 
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.

Recipient Project Award amount
Belle Fourche School District Purchase heavy equipment simulators to enhance Architecture and Construction and Ag, Food, and Natural Resources programs $98,575
Bon Homme School District Construction of a CTE lab to expand current space $225,000
Bridgewater-Emery School District Construction of a new CTE building $225,000
Brookings School District Purchase equipment to enhance Health Sciences program $150,000
Canistota School District Update and remodel Hospitality program, teacher training $40,400
Florence School District Construction of a new building to expand STEM and Ag, Food, and Natural Resources programs $225,000
Mitchell School District Purchase equipment to expand Architecture and Construction program $111,467
Spearfish School District Construction of a new CTE building $225,000
Tea Area School District Build greenhouse and start Ag, Food, and Natural Resources program $118,500

 
 
 
 
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.

 
 
 
 
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.

 
 
 
 
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.

RecipientProjectAward amount
Belle Fourche School DistrictEnhance Manufacturing program with the purchase of a fiber laser cutting machine$49,900.00
Highmore-Harrold School DistrictModernize to industry grade equipment and attend professional development to enhance the Ag, Food, and Natural Resources program $41,180.00
Huron School DistrictAll staff within the CTE department will attend a national professional development conference to learn strategies to support special populations in CTE programs$46,805.00
Leola School DistrictEnhance the Ag, Food, and Natural Resources, Health Sciences, and STEM programs with industry grade equipment$31,731.00
McIntosh School DistrictModernize to industry grade equipment and attend professional development to enhance Hospitality and Tourism program$35,674.45
Milbank School DistrictPurchase a Switch vehicle to enhance Transportation, Ag, Food, and Natural Resources, and STEM programs$50,000.00
Newell School DistrictIncrease CTE cluster offerings with purchase of STEM equipment$27,990.97
Rosholt School DistrictEnhance Manufacturing program with the purchase of innovative and industry grade equipment$49,944.59
Willow Lake School DistrictEnhance Health Science program with the purchase of medical simulation manikins$35,109.08
 
 
 
 


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].

 
 
 
 
Upcoming Events

Except where otherwise noted, details on the following events are available at GoSignMeUp [http://southdakota.gosignmeup.com/].

Board of Education Standards
May 6, Rapid City
[https://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/Meetings.aspx?BoardID=32]

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
[https://form.jotform.com/212804872644156]

Driver Education Endorsement classes
May 31-July 1, Northern State University
[https://doe.sd.gov/pressroom/educationonline/2022/05/documents/DRED-2022.pdf]

PREPaRE training – Mental Health Crisis Interventions: Responding to an Acute Traumatic Stressor in Schools
June 1-2, Vermillion
[https://form.jotform.com/212804872644156]

Curriculum Directors Day
June 6, Pierre

Title Programs Bimonthly Zoominars
June 21

Growing Great Readers
MTSS Summer Education Conference

June 21-22, Oacoma
[https://bhssctie.wufoo.com/forms/qdte8y70p72ywo/]

Breaking Down Barriers and Building Support Summit
June 23, Oacoma
[https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MWWXVWB]

Top 20 Training
(Schools can use ESSER funds to attend this training)
July 21-22, Oacoma
[https://doe.sd.gov/pressroom/educationonline/2022/02/documents/Top20Training-0122.pdf]

CTE Summer Conference
July 24-27, Sioux Falls
[https://sdacte.regfox.com/2022-sd-cte-summer-conference]

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

 
   
 
   

State Home Page | Disclaimer | Accessibility | Privacy Policy
©2022 S.D. Department of Education, 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501 - (605) 773-3134