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Second public hearing on proposed certification rule changes to be held March 20
The state Board of Education will hold the second public hearing on proposed certification rule changes at its March 20 meeting in Aberdeen. Proposed rules are posted for public comment at rules.sd.gov. Find more information on the Department of Education website.
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| FAQ document identifies new LEA requirements under ESSA
DOE recently hosted ESSA sessions for school administrators in order to share up-to-date information about LEA requirements, changes to the state’s grants management system, and to solicit feedback on key topics addressed by ESSA work groups. An FAQ document for school districts about new requirements under ESSA is now available. |
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Add your best and brightest to DOE’s Emerging Classroom Leaders Pool by March 1
Let us know: Who’s that early-career teacher in your district who really goes above and beyond? The Department of Education maintains a list of Emerging Classroom Leaders to be considered for membership on advisory boards and task forces, as well as candidates for special recognition programs.  |
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School Finance Accountability Board to hold public hearing on proposed rules At its March 16 meeting in Pierre, the School Finance Accountability Board will hold a public hearing on proposed rules for teacher compensation waivers. Find more information on the Department of Education website. Proposed rules are posted for public comment at rules.sd.gov. Click on the “Department of Education” link. |
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Submit Verification of Educational Structure forms by March 1
It’s time to report new schools, closed schools, name changes and grade span changes for the 2017-18 school year. The educational structure form must be completed by all school districts, even if there are no changes that need to be made. The deadline to submit the form is March 1. |
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SD teachers needed for Smarter Balanced development activities
Encourage teachers to apply to help with further development of the Smarter Balanced assessment. Activities include item mapping and Digital Library playlists, item review and item authoring. Airfare, hotel and meal expenses (and when applicable, substitute pay) will be covered and reimbursed. |
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Celebrate Career and Technical Education Month
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Apply by Feb. 24 for shared services grants
The shared services grant program was established as part of the 2016 education package. These grants provide incentives for districts to work together to find ways to address rural or sparsity needs, increase opportunities or services for students or increase efficiencies. The deadline to apply for this round of grants is Feb. 24. Find details on the Department of Education website. |
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Governor proclaims School Counseling Week Feb. 6-10
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Help students by starting local Summer Food Service Program
In an effort to fend off hunger, the South Dakota Department of Education’s office of Child and Adult Nutrition Services is seeking sponsors for a federally-funded program that provides nutritious meals and snacks to children in low-income areas during the summer months. |
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Nominate an outstanding school resource officer by March 10
The South Dakota Association of School Resource Officers (SDASRO) is seeking nominations for the 2017 School Officer of the Year Award. Nominees should display professionalism, dedication and commitment to their respective school and/or district. Nominations must be postmarked by March 10. |
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Nominate an outstanding biology teacher by March 31
Do you know an outstanding biology teacher? Nominate him/her for the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award. This award is sponsored by the National Association of Biology Teachers and honors teachers of the life sciences in grades 7-12. |
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Upcoming Events A complete listing of events is available at GoSignMeUp. Title Programs Wednesday Café Feb. 8, online SD-STARS Webinar for STARS Account Managers Feb. 9 March 9 April 13 May 11 SD Comprehensive School Counseling Program Model Overview Feb. 10, online Administrative Support Series Feb. 13, online March 7, online April 5, online **Note: Each session of the Administrative Support Series listed is unique; not a repeat of a previous session New & Recent Sped Director Webinar Series Feb. 22 March 28 April 25 **Note: Each session of the New & Recent Sped Director Webinar Series listed is unique; not a repeat of a previous session SD-STARS Webinar for Data STARS Feb. 23 March 23 April 27 May 25 SD Invest Year 5 March 1, Mitchell March 2, Sioux Falls School Finance Accountability Board March 16, Pierre Board of Education March 20, Aberdeen South Dakota Special Education Conference March 21-22, Deadwood Multi-hazard Emergency Planning for Schools April 6-7, |
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©2017 S.D. Department of Education, 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501 - (605) 773-3134