Vera Van Winkle

This document details the mission, philosophy, vision, and leadership role of the South Dakota Board of Education Standards. Its core purpose is to advocate for dynamic, quality education for every student in South Dakota. Key focus areas include setting comprehensive educational standards, ensuring access to certified staff, promoting professional development, fostering robust partnerships with stakeholders, and continuously improving K-12 education. The intended outcome is to ensure all students have access to a high-quality public education that prepares them for their future.

This document presents the South Dakota Health Education Standards, adopted in 2026, which serve as a framework to equip students with essential health literacy skills. The standards are built upon eight core areas: comprehending health concepts, analyzing health influences, accessing valid health information, developing interpersonal communication, practicing decision-making and goal-setting, demonstrating health-enhancing behaviors, and advocating for health. The overarching goal is to foster health-literate individuals prepared for academic success and overall well-being.

The board meeting will cover the approval of several Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals tests, including Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and Teaching Reading. The agenda includes an update from the Subcommittee on Human Trafficking and a final hearing regarding Content Standards for Health Education and Mathematics. Additionally, the meeting will feature a board orientation and planning session to review board authority, mission statements, procedures, and inter-entity relations.

This Continuous School Improvement Plan outlines the district's commitment to academic excellence and cultural responsiveness. It establishes four primary goals: enhancing academic achievement, improving school climate and culture, fostering professional growth, and strengthening student support. The plan emphasizes culturally responsive teaching practices, data-driven instruction, robust family engagement, and multi-tiered support systems. The overarching aim is to inspire, challenge, and guide a diverse community of learners to succeed, preparing them for academics, career readiness, citizenship, and leadership skills.

The South Dakota State Standards for Mathematics outline the specific knowledge and skills students should acquire in mathematics from Kindergarten through high school. The standards emphasize two main components: Mathematical Practice, focusing on problem-solving, reasoning, and communication, and Mathematical Content, detailed across various grade levels and high school courses. The overarching goal is to foster mathematically proficient and literate students capable of applying mathematics to understand the world around them.