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SOUTH DAKOTA

A comprehensive overview of South Dakota's enacted legislation, regulations, certification requirements, and state-provided resources related to dyslexia education.

SD SUMMARY

BRIEF SUMMARY

South Dakota mandates early dyslexia screening, structured interventions, and evidence-based literacy training for teachers. Educators must complete professional development focused on dyslexia identification and evidence-based instruction. 

SD Laws

SOUTH DAKOTA LEGISLATIONS AND REGULATIONS

1. South Dakota Code Section 13-37-28.1
 

  • Summary: This code section defines dyslexia as a neurological learning disability characterized by difficulties in accurate or fluent word recognition, poor spelling, and decoding abilities. It emphasizes the need for effective classroom instruction to support students with dyslexia.
     

  • How This Affects Families and Educators: The definition provided in this code helps raise awareness about dyslexia, ensuring that educators are informed about the condition and can implement appropriate strategies to support affected students. Families can use this definition to advocate for their children's needs within the educational system.
     

  • More: South Dakota Code Section 13-37-28.1

2.  House Bill 1022 (2024)

  • Summary: This bill appropriates funds to the South Dakota Department of Education for professional development in literacy for teachers, specifically focusing on improving literacy instruction, which includes strategies for teaching students with dyslexia.
     

  • How This Affects Families and Educators: By providing funding for professional development, this bill aims to enhance teachers' skills in literacy instruction, which can lead to better support for students with dyslexia. Families can expect improved educational outcomes as teachers become more equipped to address diverse learning needs.
     

  • More: House Bill 1022 (2024)

SD TEACHER

TEACHER CERTIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS

  • The South Dakota Department of Education must provide professional development focused on literacy and dyslexia for teachers.
     

  • Training programs should include:
    - Evidence-based instructional strategies for teaching reading.
    - Information on identifying students with dyslexia.
    - Resources for implementing effective interventions.

     

  • School districts are encouraged to adopt policies that align with state guidelines for supporting students with dyslexia.
     

More: 

The Dyslexia Handbook in South Dakota

Professional Development Guidance for Dyslexia

SD Resources

MORE SOUTH DAKOTA STATE RESOURCES 

If any information on this page needs to be updated, please contact us.

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The research reported here is funded by a grant to the National Center on Improving Literacy from the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, in partnership with the Office of Special Education Programs (Award #: H283D210004). The opinions or policies expressed are those of the authors and do not represent views of OESE, OSEP, or the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the Federal government. Copyright © 2025 National Center on Improving Literacy.

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