South Dakota Department of Education

Educators and Indigenous groups in South Dakota are fighting to better represent Native American history, culture, and values in the state’s education systems through teacher training, immersion schools, and other programs.

Despite the influence of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota peoples in South Dakota, the state’s history of forced assimilation, failed legislation efforts, and a lack of teacher confidence have limited the presence of Indigenous culture and values in its education systems.

Secretary of Education Tiffany Sanderson says the controversy surrounding the department's proposed standards was the result of misunderstandings and miscommunication. But she says it's a good opportunity to reflect on how the process can be improved for the benefit of all students.

In The Moment … January 14th, 2021 Show 972 Hour 1Governor Kristi Noem addressed a joint house of the state legislature Tuesday at the opening of the 2021…

The State-Tribal Relations Committee wants the Office of Indian Education back as part of the Department of Education. Governor Kristi Noem moved the…

The Senate Education Committee unanimously passes a bill to allow for the creation of community-based schools centered on Native American language and…

In The Moment ... January 16, 2020 Show 735 Hour 1Ben Jones is South Dakota's secretary of education. He joins us in Pierre with a look into his top…

In The Moment ... November 6, 2019 Show 695 Hour 2From the latest execution in South Dakota to the state legislature's efforts to hold the South Dakota…

A GEAR Up update, a discussion about regenerative ag, and a special report on the Stanley Weber trial.Plus, the South Dakota State Department of Education…

In The Moment ... October 2, 2019 Show 671 Hour 1The South Dakota Department of Education has released its annual report card. Education Department…