Navigating the DOE website for helpful resources
The department works hard to provide educators with helpful tools to aid them in their classroom instruction throughout the school year.
Below are some of our department picks to kickstart your school year!
Professional Development Platform + Continuing Education Credit Hours (CECHs) | Available for K-12
The department has a free professional learning platform designed to allow educators to register for the multitude of professional development opportunities the department offers. Through this platform, you can find virtual (synchronous and asynchronous) training, in-person events and workshops, and recurring webinars to support you all year long.
More information about the Professional Development Platform may be found by visiting doe.sd.gov/SDED/index.aspx.
Participate in external PD not hosted by the department? Check and see if it counts for CECHs using this helpful decision tree.
Questions about CECHs can be sent to the Certification Office.
Tools for Teachers | Available for Grades 3-12
Access Tools for Teachers to assist you in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics lesson planning that ties in formative assessments, for grades 3-12. These are 'Lessons by teachers, for teachers.'
Reach out to Rebecca Frerichs for any questions.
Literacy Family Engagement Suite | Available for K-12
The Literacy Family Engagement Suite is a free digital collection of printable literacy resources for schools and families to use. A few resources within the suite include event kits for schools, early literacy parent workshops, K-5 literacy family fun night kits, Science of Reading posters, stickers, magnets, and a variety of additional tools that involve families in their student’s literacy adventure!
Reach out to Patti Lager for any questions.
Studies Weekly | Available for K-5
South Dakota educators can access comprehensive training for South Dakota Studies Weekly through the Department’s Professional Learning Platform. This course is designed to support both new and experienced teachers as they implement the Studies Weekly curriculum in their classrooms.
The South Dakota Studies Weekly A–Z course includes grade level pacing guides that provide weekly pacing for all 32 weeks of instruction. These guides offer a clear, easy‑to‑follow roadmap to help teachers plan instruction throughout the school year.
In addition to pacing support, the course also contains:
- Grade level onboarding training to help teachers become familiar with the curriculum
- Grade level assessment training and guidance on using Studies Weekly’s online tools
These resources are especially helpful for first year teachers or anyone new to the curriculum.
To access all training materials, educators must enroll in the South Dakota Studies Weekly A-Z course. Once enrolled, links to each grade level pacing guide and training modules are available directly on the course homepage.
Please reach out to Melissa Bothun with any questions.
SDMyLife | Available for Grades 6-12
This free resource provides helpful tools for career exploration, secondary and post-secondary planning resources, and free ACT test prep.
More information soon for October in-person trainings on using SDMyLife! Sign up for the SDMyLife mailing list for updates and professional development opportunities.
Reach out to Kara Schweitzer for any questions.
SD STARS | Available for K-12
What if the key to a smooth and successful school year is already sitting in SD-STARS, waiting for you? Our statewide longitudinal data system brings together years of enrollment, attendance, assessment, and program data in one secure place, helping teachers and school leaders build confidence, clarity, and purpose as they start the year.
In addition to the wealth of data at your fingertips, there are four, high-value reports every educator should explore during this back-to-school season:
- Student Profile: offers a comprehensive snapshot of each student in your classroom including enrollment history, attendance, state assessment results, and participation in programs such as special education or English Learner services.
- Achievement Cut Score: quickly identifies learners who are close to moving from one proficiency level to the next.
- Student Attendance List: shows enrolled days, absences, attendance rates, and flags for warning or chronic absence patterns.
- Early Warning: compiles indicators such as attendance and course performance to help identify middle and high school students who may be at risk.
Whether you are organizing intervention groups, preparing for conferences, or simply getting to know your new learners, these reports can help make planning more intentional and data informed.
Questions or interest in receiving more specialized trainings, resources, and support can be sent to STARSHelp@state.sd.us.
Review the A-Z Index for a full list of everything available on the DOE website.