The U.S. Department of Education recently approved South Dakota’s ESEA Flexibility Waiver for an additional year, but did place the state’s waiver on “high risk” status.

 

The “high risk” status was placed on the waiver because the U.S. DOE wants state test scores connected to teacher evaluation, which is currently not part of the plan. Initially, South Dakota’s waiver was approved by the U.S. DOE in 2012.

 

S.D. Sec. of Education Melody Schopp said the state will not change course on the current evaluation system because the state believes it meets the requirements of the waiver. The system was developed by South Dakota educators.

 

The waiver will remain intact throughout the 2015-16 school year.