Education

There's room for growth in Native American education in South Dakota. But in some districts, that growth is already underway. In the state's largest school district, a 20-year-old program has its first coordinator...and two passionate educators look forward to the future.

South Dakota educators and policy-makers are continuing to adjust the state's social studies standards. The process sets minimum requirements for educating South Dakota students.But conflicting ideas about the role of Native American history and culture in those standards has delayed that process.In September, hundreds marched in Pierre to protest what they called the erasure of their legacy.

Investigative journalist Katie Worth traveled the nation to learn what students in different states are taught about climate change. What she found was political polarization that is creating a two-tier system of knowledge for the next generation of problem-solvers. Her latest book is called Miseducation: How Climate Change is Taught in America.

Today is National Rural Health day. The Frontier and Rural Medicine (FARM) program at the University of South Dakota selects students to serve a portion of their clinical training in rural communities. Janet Fulk is the assistant director of the program and she joins us with a look at how the medical school is helping young doctors succeed in rural settings.

The days of sweets and treats have arrived. But what does holiday baking and celebrating teach the youngest South Dakotans about our relationship with food? Today, as part of SDPB's Early Learning Initiative, we're going to talk about developmentally appropriate healthy choices. Joining us for that conversation, we welcome SDPB's education consultant Kevin Nelson.

The Rapid City Area School Board's proposed resolution to ban COVID-19 testing and any vaccinations on school grounds contains inaccurate and misleading information.

Until recently, the state Department of Education didn't know how broadly the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings are used. A recent survey finds room for growth.

A parent and an attorney for the Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools in Sioux Falls discuss the school district's lawsuit against the federal government's new COVID-19 vaccine or testing rules.

Vermillion becomes the first school district in the state to align bathroom policy to current student civil rights guidance.

School board member Tasha Peltier and Superintendent Tim Frederrick explain the cultural engagement and curriculum within the Mobridge - Pollock school district.