Register now for 2025 Special Education Conference

The 2025 South Dakota Special Education Conference will be in Rapid City March 18-19; registration is now open.

Educators asked to weigh in on proposed standards

Standards for Computer Science, English Language Arts, and Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings are now available for public input.

Courtney Mack, Wagner School District

To raise awareness of the teaching profession and to encourage young people (and adults looking for a new challenge) to consider careers in education, the Department of Education (DOE) has launched a new series of videos. The videos feature South Dakota educators talking about the rewards of being a teacher. This week, we’re featuring Courtney Mack, a preschool teacher in Wagner, who talks about the commitment it takes to be a teacher – and the rewards that come with that commitment. To see more videos of South Dakota teachers, visit sdteach.org.

Educators interested in better understanding how students learn to read and write can take part in AIM Pathways training to get access to the latest information on the Science of Reading, the phonics-based reading instruction method that has been proven to help students learn to read.

AIM Pathways is the interactive digital teacher training platform designed to provide educators with evidence-based Science of Reading training. As part of the DOE's Moving Literacy Forward in South Dakota initiative, all teachers for whom literacy is a foundational part of their students' success are eligible to take the AIM Pathways training free of charge.

Registration is currently open for five AIM Pathways courses. All courses begin in January 2025 and will end in May. The five courses available are:

• Pathways to Proficient Reading: This course is designed for K-5 core content teachers. Participants will learn the best practices for language and literacy instruction in the classroom, along with the latest reading research and theoretical models including the Simple View of Reading and Scarborough's Reading Rope. Those who complete the course are eligible to earn 30 continuing education contact hours and three graduate credits through Dakota State University. Register online.
• Pathways to Proficient Writing: This course is designed for K-5 core content teachers. Participants will discover effective instructional practices for writing that will benefit all students, along with information about writing research and theoretical models like the Not-So-Simple View of Writing and The Writing Cycle. Those who complete the course are eligible to earn 30 continuing education contact hours and two graduate credits through Dakota State University. Register online.
• Pathways to Literacy Leadership: This course is designed for school leaders including superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals, directors of special education and student services, and directors of curriculum and instruction. Participants will learn about literacy implementation, oral language, effective reading instruction, phonological and phonemic awareness, and more. Those who complete the course are eligible to earn 30 continuing education contact hours and two credit hours from Dakota State University. Register online.
• Early Literacy Bundle: This course is designed for educators who work with emerging readers, including Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers. Coursework includes information on the Science of Reading, Dr. Ehri's Phases of Development, and phonological awareness. Those who complete the course will be eligible to receive continuing education contact hours. Register online.
• Steps to Literacy II Bundle: This course is designed for educators who work with middle and high school students. Coursework includes an overview of the Science of Reading, vocabulary instruction, and an integrated approach to reading comprehension and written expression. Those who complete the course will be eligible to receive continuing education contact hours. Register online.