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Nov. 11-17 is American Education Week
American Education Week is coming up this month. This special week recognizes the contributions of the various people who make up the public education system, from teachers to food service workers and counselors to bus drivers, and everyone in between. Thanks for all you do to make sure our state’s children are receiving the best education!



New DOE directors in place
Colleen O’Neil recently began as director of the department’s Division of Curriculum and Career and Technical Education, and Ann Larsen took over as the new director of the Division of Educational Services and Support. A recent transplant from Greeley, Colo., Colleen is a lifelong educator, having served in numerous positions, including teacher, chief learning officer, assistant principal and chief human resource officer. Ann has been with the department for more than 10 years, most recently serving as special education director.

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Upcoming Events



2012 Regional Transition Forums
Nov. 7 – Dec. 14, Various locations statewide

Forums are informal and interactive meetings to discuss collaboration between agencies, schools, and families so students with disabilities can receive appropriate services and supports during the transition to adulthood process. Check out the DOE Calendar of Events for exact dates and locations. For more information, contact Melissa Flor.


IEP Workshops
Nov. 15 –29, Various locations statewide

The IEP workshop will take you through all the essentials needed to provide students with a program that results in educational benefit. Workshops run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in their respective time zones and six contact hours will be offered. Presenters will cover all areas of special education, from referral to placement to IEP development. This interactive workshop will help you analyze data and write appropriate IEPs for students with varying disabilities. Registration is limited to 50 participants at each site. Click here for registration and a complete list of dates and locations.


Principal Standards and Evaluation Work Group meeting
Nov. 19, Pierre

This will be the fourth meeting of the Principal Standards and Evaluation Work Group, which will convene at 9 a.m. (Central) in the MacKay Building. The group's purpose is to provide input in developing principal standards, four-tier rating system and evaluation instrument used by districts for principal evaluation. Click here for more information.


Teacher Evaluation Work Group meeting
Nov. 20, Pierre

This will be the fourth meeting of the Teacher Evaluation Work Group, which will convene at 9 a.m. (Central) in the MacKay Building. The group's purpose is to provide input in developing the four-tier rating system and evaluation instrument used by districts for teacher evaluation. Click here for more information.


South Dakota Board of Education meeting
Nov. 26, Pierre

This regularly scheduled meeting of the state Board of Education will be held at the MacKay Building in Pierre. More information will be provided on the board’s webpage as it becomes available.