The South Dakota Department of Education has released (Oct. 18, 2024) its annual report showing how public school students score in English language arts and mathematics. The 2023-24 Report Card indicated that ELA proficiency rates rose by one percentage point, from 50% in 2022-23 to 51% in 2023-24. Mathematics proficiency rates also rose by one percentage point, from 43% in 2022-23 to 44% in 2023-24. These tests are given to students in grades 3-8 and 11. The statewide attendance rate also increased by 1%, from 86% to 87%. State Secretary of Education Joe Graves is pleased with the positive momentum. While South Dakota’s statewide literacy initiative is in its beginning stages, he expects to see growth in ELA proficiency as educators become more knowledgeable in research and best practices related to the “Science of Reading.” Graves says DOE staff have been providing free training, based on the “Science of Reading,” to K-12 teachers. He says DOE is working with the Board of Regents to incorporate these concepts into their programming at the public universities in South Dakota as well. Additionally, Graves says state educators have emphasized addressing declining attendance rates over the last few years, so it’s promising to see attendance levels going back up. The full Report Card is now available at https://sdschools.sd.gov.