Annual Report Card of school performance shows growth

The South Dakota Department of Education (DOE) released its 2023-24 Report Card in October. The report showed academic growth in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. The statewide attendance rate also increased from 86 percent to 87 percent.

“We are pleased with this positive momentum,” said Secretary of Education Joe Graves. “We have emphasized addressing attendance rates over the last few years at the state and district levels. It is promising to see our efforts are working.”

The academic assessment indicated that ELA proficiency rates rose by one percentage point, from 50 percent in 2022-23 to 51 percent in 2023-24. Mathematics proficiency rates also rose by one percentage point, from 43 percent in 2022-23 to 44 percent in 2023-24. These tests are given to students in grades 3-8 and 11.

While South Dakota’s statewide literacy initiative is in its beginning stages, Secretary Graves expects to see growth in ELA proficiency as educators become more knowledgeable in research and best practices related to the “Science of Reading,” a proven method for teaching students how to read and write.

The department has been providing free training based in the “Science of Reading” to K-12 teachers and is working with the Board of Regents’ public universities to incorporate these concepts into their programming.

The full Report Card is now available at sdschools.sd.gov.