Longitudinal Data System pilot begins in June
South Dakota will begin a pilot of its new Longitudinal Data System, called STARS, next month. The overall goal throughout the development of the new system has always been to enable administrators and instructors to use data to inform instruction and improve student achievement.

Smarter Balanced Consortium awards first contract for development
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, of which South Dakota is a member, announced last month that CTB/McGraw Hill will lead a team of assessment experts in developing the first set of next-generation assessment items and performance tasks.

South Dakota partners with Smithsonian Institute
South Dakota’s Office of Indian Education is collaborating with the Smithsonian Institute to compile a collection of historical and cultural resources pertaining to the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and Standards.

Important Advanced Placement exam update
Additional funds are now available from the U.S. Department of Education to help districts and students offset the costs of Advanced Placement exams.

Complete school library survey by May 16
The deadline to complete and submit the school library survey to the South Dakota State Library is drawing near.