This is a reminder for districts about the need to share assessment results with parents and guardians. Overviews of reporting requirements are posted under the Parent Communication heading on the DOE assessment webpage.

DOE has implemented a common course numbering system for high school courses for all accredited school districts. The state course codes will be used for a variety of accountability purposes. The state course codes within the PRF database are used to capture staffing information for all accredited districts.

Once again this year, eligible students will have the opportunity to complete postsecondary remedial coursework while still in high school. College readiness coursework includes courses intended to assist high school seniors who need continued support in developing the skills necessary to enroll in credit-bearing coursework at the postsecondary level.

The Build Dakota Scholarship Program, along with the state’s four technical institutes, is hitting the road this fall to provide presentations at school and community events. The intended audience includes high school students and their parents, local business and industry officials, community leaders and economic development groups. Learn about scheduling a road show in your area.

The Department of Labor and Regulation offers a youth version of its workshop, “Bring Your ‘A’ Game to Work,” at no cost to schools. Using experiential learning activities and group participation, it focuses on seven foundational behaviors to build work ethic: Attendance, Appearance, Attitude, Ambition, Accountability, Acceptance and Appreciation. Capacity is limited. For more information, contact Jami Burrer at 605-773-5017.

September is Suicide Prevention Month. The South Dakota Department of Social Services has developed a suicide awareness and prevention campaign, BeThe1SD, to help decrease the number of suicides in South Dakota. The ‘BeThe1SD’ campaign emphasizes a positive message that encourages youth to be vigilant about the signs of suicide and to “be the one” to make a difference.

Native American hip-hop artist Supaman will perform and deliver a keynote address at this year’s Indian Education Summit, scheduled for Sept. 23-25 in Pierre. Keynote speaker Jace Pratt will discuss the topic of peaceful teaching. Other highlights include a pre-conference session on traditional games and a presentation from the Montana Office of Indian Education on that state’s Indian Education for All program. Register today!

The nomination process is open for the U.S. Senate Youth Program, a nationwide program that brings high school students to Washington, D.C., for an onsite introduction to the functions of the federal government and, in particular, the United States Senate. Nominations are due Sept. 21. Learn more on DOE’s U.S. Senate Youth Program Scholarship webpage.

Board of Education Standards
Sept. 17, Aberdeen

Fall DOE/Infinite Campus user groups
Sept. 18-21, various locations statewide
(For more information, contact
Judy Merriman or Teri Jung)

Interpreting ACCESS for ELLs Score Reports
Sept. 19, Rapid City

New Special Ed Directors Webinar Series – Accountability
Sept. 19, Online

SD-STARS Monthly Webinar
Sept. 19, Online

Behavior De-escalation Training
Sept. 21, Mobridge

Indian Education Summit
Sept. 23-25, Pierre

Northern Plains Law Conference on Students with Disabilities
Sept. 24-26, Rapid City

SDMyLife: Next Generation
Oct. 3, Sioux Falls
Oct. 4, Rapid City
Oct. 15, Watertown
Oct. 16, Pierre
Oct. 22, morning webinar
Oct. 22, afternoon webinar
Oct. 23, morning webinar
Oct. 23, afternoon webinar

Annual Community Response to Child Abuse Conference
Oct. 4-5, Sioux Falls

Supporting Early Learners Institute
Oct. 11-12, Sioux Falls

Systems Change
Oct. 17-19, Sioux Falls

Dakota TESL Conference
Nov. 15-16, Fargo, ND