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Letter from the Secretary The main run of the 2018 legislative session has come to a close, and we will be providing you with a summary of session outcomes soon. As our attention shifts from the Capitol, we quickly segue into activities out in the field. In coming weeks, I will be traveling to meet with tribal education leaders to hear their concerns and learn more about what is happening in their communities. The department is also in the process of establishing a group of key stakeholders to discuss issues related to the implementation of the Juvenile Justice Improvement Act. This group’s purpose will be to identify specific challenges facing K-12 schools, as well as potential opportunities for schools and other key partners, as all entities seek to best address the needs of students, families and classrooms. And finally, I extend an invitation to all superintendents, principals and business managers to attend the DOE Road Show coming up in April. Sessions will be held in Aberdeen, Mitchell and Rapid City. Registration is now available on GoSignMeUp. Look for “DOE Information-Sharing: What you need to know about federal & state law changes.” These sessions will cover a number of major topics: the state ESSA plan, federal compliance issues, and state topics, including state funding, school finance accountability requirements, graduation requirements and juvenile justice. With the big blizzard earlier this month, March certainly came in like a lion, and that seems to be reflected in the flurry of activities in schools this time of year. Between state tournaments, testing and everything else happening in your districts, I know that from here, it can feel like a mad dash to May. Thank you for everything you do. As always, my door, phone line and inbox are open to your questions and concerns. |
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 Workforce Education Grant applications due March 28 Workforce Education Grant applications are open. Access the application on the Workforce Education Grants webpage [http://doe.sd.gov/octe/WEG.aspx]. Read guidelines carefully, as the maximum grant award and scoring rubric have changed. The grants are designed to provide school districts and private, nonprofit entities the opportunity to make transformative change in CTE programs. Applications are due March 28. |
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Final public hearing for standards
The fourth of four public hearings related to the adoption of content standards in certain subject areas will be held at the Board of Education Standards [http://www.doe.sd.gov/board/] meeting March 19 in Pierre. Standards up for review are as follows: English language arts; math; health education; Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings & Standards; and several CTE areas. View the proposed standards [http://www.doe.sd.gov/ContentStandards/review.aspx] and submit public comment. |
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SBAC testing window open through May 4 The Smarter Balanced testing window is open through May 4 for all tested grade levels (grades 3-8 and 11). Find more information on the Department of Education's Office of Assessment website [http://doe.sd.gov/Assessment/]. Check announcements on the Smarter Balanced portal [http://sd.portal.airast.org/] for updates or contact Jan Martin [Jan.Martin@state.sd.us] to receive email alerts. |
 National Title I Distinguished Schools recognized at national conference South Dakota’s 2017 National Title I Distinguished Schools were honored at the National Title I Conference in Philadelphia last month. Learn more about them:
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Frontline Education trainers coming to SD April 3
Frontline Education is the online platform that DOE provides free of charge to districts for use in teacher evaluation. Frontline trainers will be in South Dakota April 3 for a training. Learn more and register via GoSignMeUp [https://southdakota.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=12245]. This easy-to-use, improved platform now has additional flexibility for districts. Haven’t used Frontline? Interested in learning more? Contact Matt Gill [matthew.gill@state.sd.us] to set up a personal webinar. |
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Applications available for statewide mentoring program
The statewide mentoring program provides a first-year teacher access to a mentor teacher for a period of two years and participation in a summer academy following the first and second year of employment. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced South Dakota teachers (current and retired) to share their skills and help guide beginning teachers. In addition, through this program, South Dakota’s newest teachers will be supported and welcomed into the education community. Requirements have also been established for districts that would like to receive funding to handle mentoring locally. Visit the mentoring program’s webpage [http://doe.sd.gov/mentoring/] to learn more and find the following:
Applications for new mentors are due May 1. Applications for new teachers are due June 15. Late hires will also have an opportunity to participate. Those who are already participating in the program are not required to complete a new application. |
 Download flyer at http://doe.sd.gov/pressroom/educationonline/2018/Mar/images/NG-SDMYLIFE.jpg |
Sign up for SDMyLife: Next Generation trainings
Starting in fall 2018, SDMyLife will be supported by a new platform called Xello, which brings with it improved course planning, a personality assessment and interactive online lessons to assist students with meaningful career exploration. Learn more at one of the following trainings:
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NCRC policy established
The Department of Education has worked with the Department of Labor and Regulation to establish policies and procedures concerning the promotion, administration and management of the National Career Readiness Certificate. The NCRC is a way for students to show prospective employers that they possess skills required in the workplace. Read more at http://doe.sd.gov/pressroom/educationonline/2018/Mar/documents/NCRCPolicy.pdf. |
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Upcoming Events Except where otherwise noted, details on the following events are available at GoSignMeUp [http://southdakota.gosignmeup.com/].
Board of Education Standards
Planning for the Needs of Children in Disasters (hosted by the SD Office of Emergency Management)
Work-Based Learning & Employer Partnerships
Administrators: Frontline Education Regional Training
G364 Planning for Schools
Effective Core EL Program
SD Early Childhood Education Conference
TIE Conference
DOE Information-Sharing: What you need to know about federal & state law changes
History Conference
SDMyLife: Next Generation
2018 MTSS Summer Education Conference
Save the Date! Indian Education Summit |
©2018 S.D. Department of Education, 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501 - (605) 773-3134