Educators asked to weigh in on proposed standards

Three sets of academic content standards are now under review: Computer Science, English Language Arts, and the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings (OSEU) & Standards. All of the standards were developed with input from South Dakota educators this past spring and summer.

The Computer Science standards are new, while the English Language Arts (ELA) and Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings standards are updates to previously existing standards.

"South Dakota already has Ed Technology standards in place; these focus on using computers appropriately," said Secretary of Education Joe Graves. "The new Computer Science standards address how computers work, including networks, programming, and computing systems. The two sets of standards can work hand-in-hand, and districts will have the flexibility to figure out how best to implement."

According to state law, proposed academic content standards must go through a series of four public hearings hosted by the Board of Education Standards, over the course of at least six months.

The first public hearing for the Computer Science, ELA, and OSEU standards will be held at the board’s Sept. 16 meeting in Aberdeen.

Review the proposed standards and submit public comment via DOE’s website. Interested parties can also register to provide public testimony at the Aberdeen hearing.