State education leaders say they’re pleased with the results of the latest statewide academic assessment.
The Department of Education’s 2023-2024 report card shows slight improvements in both math and reading proficiency, with overall scores in both areas increasing by one percentage point.
The proficiency rates are based on tests given to students in grades 3-8 and 11.
The report also showed a statewide attendance rate of 87 percent, up one percent from the previous year.
Education secretary Joe Graves said the report shows “positive momentum.”
We have emphasized addressing attendance rates over the last few years at the state and district levels. It is promising to see our efforts are working,” Graves said.
While South Dakota’s statewide literacy initiative is in its beginning stages, Graves said he expects to see growth in ELA proficiency as educators become more knowledgeable in research and best practices related to the “Science of Reading." The department has been providing free training based in the “Science of Reading” to K-12 teachers and is working with the Board of Regents’ public universities to incorporate these concepts into their programming.