In his Dec. 6 budget speech, Gov. Dennis Daugaard proposed a 2.3 percent increase in the per-student allocation for FY 2013, which would put the PSA at $4,490.92. He also proposed a one-time .7 percent increase per student (total increase of 3 percent), which would be distributed directly to schools.

Beyond these two increases, the governor called for an additional $8.4 million to support critical statewide training for teachers and school administrators.

Called South Dakota Investing in Teachers, the massive training effort will cover a two-year period. With an eye on preparing students to succeed in a globally competitive workforce, the effort will consist of a four-pronged approach:

• Training for teachers as they implement the new Common Core standards in English language arts and math
• Training for science teachers to build the skills necessary to deliver problem-based learning in STEM areas
• Training for school counselors to address career development and South Dakota’s workforce needs
• Training for school administrators to support them in their roles as instructional leaders, particularly in the areas of Common Core and teacher evaluation

Understanding the value these professional development opportunities ultimately have on students, educators would be paid for their participation in the trainings.

Summary: South Dakota Investing in Teachers

The budget will be taken up the 2012 Legislature, which convenes on Jan. 10.