social studies standards

Demonstrators stand outside the Ramkota Hotel in Pierre ahead of the South Dakota Board of Education Standards meeting on April 17, 2023. (Courtesy of South Dakota Education Association)

State board approves controversial social studies standards on 5-2 vote

BY: - April 17, 2023

After almost two years of controversy, nearly 1,300 public comments submitted and hours of public testimony spread across four public hearings, the South Dakota Board of Education Standards has approved changes to the state’s K-12 social studies standards. The public had its fourth and final opportunity to speak to the board about the changes on […]

COMMENTARY
The public listens to testimony on the proposed social studies standards at the South Dakota Board of Education meeting at The Rushmore Hotel in Rapid City on Feb. 10, 2023. (Courtesy of South Dakota Education Association)

Social studies standards would benefit from compromise and more work

BY: - April 4, 2023

A final vote on the proposed social studies standards by the South Dakota Board of Education Standards will be on the agenda for the April 17 meeting in Pierre. This is the last of four statutorily required meetings during the public comment process. As the only principal who served on the 2022 Revision Commission, I […]

Retired teachers, educators and community members lined the sidewalks outside The Rushmore Hotel in Rapid City on Feb. 10, 2023, protesting the proposed social studies standards ahead of the latest state Board of Education meeting. (Courtesy of South Dakota Education Association)

Opponents urge board to ‘go back to the drawing board’ for social studies standards

BY: - February 10, 2023

The public had a third opportunity to speak to the South Dakota Board of Education about proposed changes to the state’s social studies standards on Friday at The Rushmore Hotel in Rapid City, and many used the opportunity to criticize the current draft. Wade Pogany, executive director of the Associated School Boards of South Dakota, […]

COMMENTARY
A proponent of the new social studies standards offers a statement of support to the state Board of Education on Nov. 21, 2022, in Sioux Falls. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

Social studies debate shows concerning shift from standards to curriculum

BY: - November 29, 2022

Educators and parents alike have provided concerning feedback for the Proposed K-12 Social Studies Content Standards. South Dakota is at the midpoint of a statutorily required public comment process with four input sessions being held throughout the state. I testified to the South Dakota Board of Educational Standards in September, and due to time constraints, […]

COMMENTARY
The Dignity sculpture near Chamberlain, SD, as pictured on Nov. 2, 2022.

Social studies standards a new version of ‘kill the Indian, save the man’

BY: - November 15, 2022

What does it say when, during a time of deep and troubling news on the high number of deaths at the boarding schools used to assimilate D/N/Lakota children, that Gov. Kristi Noem would hire a Christian-school consultant to shape a working committee for new South Dakota social studies standards?  This reads as a violation of […]

COMMENTARY
The South Dakota State Capitol, pictured on Nov. 2, 2022. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)

South Dakota social studies standards are meaningful, challenging, empowering

BY: - November 11, 2022

As an experienced classroom educator, I am excited about the potential of South Dakota’s proposed social studies standards. They provide a framework for students to gain critical knowledge, vocabulary, and understanding in key areas of history, government, geography, and economics. A strong foundation in social studies is necessary to prepare productive citizens for the future. […]