Student growth is one of two essential components of South Dakota's Teacher and Principal Effectiveness Systems. In the state systems, student growth is defined as a positive change in student achievement between two or more points in time. "The South Dakota SLO Handbook" provides support and guidance to public schools and school…

These two case studies were commissioned by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) as part of its Western Policy Exchange (WPE) Project, in an effort to understand the dynamics and perceived consequences of a "state roundtable" approach to fostering partnerships in education in order to advance systemic change and…

This document contains the South Dakota Department of Education and Cultural Affairs (DECA) mission statement, developed by the Governor's Task Force on Education. The DECA's mission is to advocate for education, facilitate the delivery of statewide educational and cultural services and promote efficient, appropriate, and quality educational…

This report presents information on the status of arts education in South Dakota schools. Central to the report are the findings of a statewide survey of school districts that was conducted as part of a long-term project to advance the arts in South Dakota schools. Findings are reported in a number of areas, including budgets, staffing, course…

Describes the DTL (Distance Teaching and Learning) Academy that was developed to help South Dakota's teachers use technology more effectively, including two-way videoconferencing equipment. Topics include goals; influence of the TTL (Teaching and Learning Academy); developing distance education courses; professional development opportunities for…

Describes South Dakota's Technology for Teaching and Learning Academy (TTL), a statewide program for teacher training opportunities to help integrate technology into the schools and to enhance students' educational opportunities. Discusses TTL objectives; evaluation results; and planned program refinement. (LRW)

The Career Competency Program was funded to design and implement a total career education model, both educationally and financially practical for implementation by South Dakota communities. The program's underlying goals included mastery of skills at a level commensurate with each student's ability, interests, and career goals. Activities carried…

The three year Career Education Program in South Dakota has two major objectives to be accomplished on a Statewide basis: (1) to help all public and private schools in South Dakota implement career education programs, and (2) to provide every student in the State an opportunity to develop self-awareness, favorable work attitudes, and career…

This publication assesses the status of public elementary-secondary education in South Dakota and describes the state's progress toward meeting the six National Education Goals. A notable achievement is the Families First program, which is a broad-based initiative that empowers communities to identify and meet local human service needs and to…