Members of House Education endorsed a change in the state's graduation pathways that supporters say will eliminate confusion and give students more options to pursue career and technical education courses.

Melody Schopp, a representative of the Department of Educaiton, asked lawmakers to approve the SB 185, telling lawmakers that the four-year-old graduation requirements have created confusion. The law outlines two pathways, the Department of Education outlines a third and local school districts often add a fourth, Schopp said.

She also told legislators that, though the department felt the three-tiered plan was a good idea four years ago, it has had unintended consequences of labeling children as low-achievers. Having are more responsive recommended program is a better solution, Schopp said.

The bill's House sponsor, Rep. Jason Frerichs, D-Wilmot, said that the measure also provides students with greater flexibility under the state's recommended graduation path by allowing the state department to include career and tech education courses within the state's recommended program.

The committee voted 13-1 to approve the measure.

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Students working toward a GED will satisfy the state's compulsory attendance law, according a measure passed Tuesday by Senate Education.

According to SB 126, 16- and 17-year olds students can enroll in GED programs if their parent or guardian gives the student permission. Students can be excused from public school attendance for one of five reasons, including:

• The student will not graduate with their cohort class because of credit deficiency;
• Authorization from a court services officer;
• A court order requiring the child to enter the program;
• Verification that the child is under the direction of the Department of Corrections; or
• Verification that the child is enrolled in Job Corps

Representatives from the Rapid City and Sioux Falls School Districts supported the change, saying the compromise provides much-needed flexibility for school districts and students.

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Multi-districts that offer career and technical education courses will also be able to offer academic course offerings, a House panel decided Wednesday.

Members of House Education unanimously endorsed HB 1044, a measure that Department of Education officials say will provide local school districts with greater flexibility and make high school more relevant for students.

Mark Wilson, state director for career and technical education, told lawmakers that the legislation allows students to choose which setting fits their learning style. A student who learns more effectively working with their hands could take other subjects in conjunction with trade education.

According to Wilson, the change coincides with the state’s High School 2025 initiative to strengthen the high school experience. In addition to the change proposed in HB 1044, the state is also working to develop alternate certification to make it possible for current CTE teachers to also teach core subjects, such as math.

A multi-district is a agreement between several school districts to provide career and technical education. Currently, multi-district centers are set up in Aberdeen, Brookings and Watertown. There’s also a mobile multi-district arrangement in Northwest South Dakota. According to Wilson, Madison Central is also working on a similar venture.

The legislation will be considered on the House floor this week.

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