Speakers available to discuss U.S. legal system and profession

South Dakota State Bar offers guest speakers for Law Day, May 1.

America’s Field Trip: Students in grades
3-12 eligible to enter contest celebrating America’s 250th

Students can answer “What does America mean to you?” and win a trip!

GO FOURTH – Free State Park Day Pass for South Dakota fourth graders

South Dakota fourth graders are eligible to receive state park discounts.

Special Education office looking for individuals to serve on advisory panel

The Office of Special Education is seeking to fill three unique roles on the South Dakota Advisory Panel for Children with Disabilities (SDAPCD). The panel is to be made up of diverse stakeholders who provide advice and recommendations to the DOE’s Office of Special Education. Eligible candidates include parents of children with disabilities, individuals with disabilities, and teachers. The group meets quarterly. If you are interested in serving on the SDAPCD, or know someone who might be, please contact Wendy Trujillo.

Get ready for South Dakota Week of Work!

Make plans now to promote and celebrate work-based learning in South Dakota schools!

Social studies teachers: Celebrate your passion for civics and history at a unique event tailored for South Dakota educators! This two-day event features keynotes from former South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard and Northern State University professor Dr. Christian Pirlet, breakout sessions crafted to align to curriculum needs, interactive exhibits, and a vendor showcase.

This event is FREE for certified teachers who are responsible for implementing the state social studies standards to K-12 students. Those who fully participate in the conference will receive a $300 stipend and 15 continuing education contact hours OR one graduate credit at a reduced rate.

For more information, and to register, please visit civicsandhistorysummit.com.

SD-STARS is offering a one-credit course called Fundamentals of Using Data for Educators. This course will be delivered throughout the month of June. It includes virtual meetings, discussion topics, and an in-person workshop day. See the Poster and Fact Sheet for more information. To register, visit the course page. The first 15 people registered will receive the required textbook for free.

Registration for the 2024 Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Conference is open. This two-day conference in Oacoma, SD, will provide educators tools to ensure positive learning outcomes for all students in the classroom.

Keynote topics this year include Adolescent Literacy Instruction and Intervention and Classroom Management: Addressing Escalating Behavior.

The DOE Office of Assessment and Office of Special Education Programs has created a video set for general education science teachers and special education teachers regarding science alternate academic achievement standards. The two videos, each about 30 minutes in length, describe how teachers can use the science Core Content Connectors and achievement level descriptors to instruct and assess students with significant cognitive disabilities on the same grade-level science content as their general education peers.

The videos can be viewed at SD Gateway Cambium ALD Training. Teachers can also enroll in the Canvas Course to receive one continuing education contact hour. Contact Stacy.Holzbauer@state.sd.us with questions.

Registration is now open for the South Dakota Road Trip: Teachers Discovering History! K-12 educators who teach social studies are eligible to attend the DOE’s free, four-day professional development that takes teachers to significant historical sites throughout the state.

Space is still available for the Central and East River Routes. Pierre will be the home base for the Central Route, and Brookings for the East River Route.

Participants will have free access to all attractions and events as well as complimentary lodging and transportation to and from attractions. Teachers who participate in the road trip from beginning to end will receive a $500-stipend as well as 45 continuing education contact hours OR three graduate credits at a reduced rate.

Educators who teach social studies in grades 4-8 are invited to apply to attend the Center for Civic Education’s educator development program. The primary goals of the program are to promote civic competence and civic responsibility among the nation’s students.

Participants will receive content-rich, practical professional development, a classroom set of textbooks, a $500 stipend, fully funded travel and lodging, and the opportunity to network with other teachers from across the nation.

Those interested in participating should call We the People South Dakota State Coordinator Wes Brown at (605) 430-6862, or email wesb@vantageinstitute.org. Visit civiced.org/ceas for more details.