SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) — Educators, parents, and others will soon learn the fate of South Dakota’s proposed social studies standards. There is one last chance for them to ponder: Monday’s case Education Standards Council Meet at Pierre.
“We’ll switch to social studies time for certification, which I think will follow the same protocol and 90 minutes for pro and 90 minutes for deductible, and then there will be potential or follow-up questions,” said Huron’s Terry Nebelesk, who is one of Seven members from the board.
After these questions, the members will vote.
“I’m proud that all seven board members listened calmly without comment and tried to give the hearing its proper due by really listening,” said Nebelsk.
the South Dakota Education Association is one of several groups of educators who oppose the proposed standards.
“I think what you will hear on Monday is a continuation of the concerns that have been expressed by teachers, administrators, school board members, parents and community members, and in the process those concerns have not been addressed,” said Principal Sandra Waltman. Communications and government relations with the Education Association of South Dakota. “We are still concerned about the age-appropriateness of the criteria. We are concerned about the amount of memorization and just how many criteria.”
However, the standards have support from the state Department of Education. A statement provided Friday to KELOLAND News says the department “stands behind core aspects of the Standards as necessary to help our students become informed and contributing members of society.” The statement goes on to say, “We believe these criteria include the important people, places, events, and ideas that shaped our nation and our world.”
“I didn’t discuss strategies with anyone else,” Nebelsk said. “I have listened for hours and hours now, and I will have prepared the comments, and I am confident that the other board members will have prepared the comments.”
Passing the standards requires a simple majority vote of the seven members of the Education Standards Board.