The South Dakota Department of Education has issued a summary of its proposed Next Generation Accountability Model. South Dakota began the process of developing a new statewide accountability model in September 2011, when the department assembled a group representing key stakeholders to provide recommendations regarding a next-generation accountability model.

The proposed model is based on a 100-point index and includes multiple indicators to measure school performance. Under the proposed model, schools have unique targets based on their unique “starting points.” The model recognizes both achievement and growth, and encourages continuous improvement.

According to Secretary of Education Melody Schopp, the model is intended to be legitimate and fair; useful to educators and administrators; easily understood by the public; and promoting continuous improvement for individual students, as well as for schools.

The secretary held a series of conference calls with educators earlier this week to explain the model.

Educators are asked to review the Next Generation Accountability Model summary, which is in draft form, and to offer initial feedback on the proposal. The concepts outlined in the summary will form the basis for the state’s ESEA Flexibility Request.

South Dakota’s actual ESEA Flexibility Request application will be posted for public comment closer to the Feb. 21 deadline for submission.