RAPID CITY — In a decisive meeting held in Rapid City, the South Dakota Board of Education Standards unanimously approved revisions to the state’s math standards. This decision marks a significant step in South Dakota’s education narrative, reflecting the ongoing endeavors to enhance academic frameworks across the state.
Amidst the approval, Crystal McMachen, a middle school math teacher from Rapid City, voiced crucial concerns regarding the new standards. Pointing out errors, including duplicated standards and inconsistent wording, she stressed that these oversights might be symptomatic of a rushed process. “The standards are not ready, and South Dakota is better than this,” McMachen passionately stated.
For months, the South Dakota Department of Education and math educators have been in a continual back-and-forth dialogue, highlighting the community’s dedication to educational excellence. Over the course of this process, over 50 changes were made to the original proposal, indicating a willingness to adapt and improve based on feedback from various stakeholders.
Secretary of Education Joe Graves addressed these concerns by emphasizing that the prior adoption of national Common Core standards had led to unnecessary complexity. “It simply changes the language so that it is heard and understood by more people,” Graves clarified, noting the importance of accessibility in educational materials.
The revised standards, inspired by educational frameworks from other states and the Archimedes standards designed by an assistant professor at Hillsdale College in Michigan, aim to simplify the procedures. However, the simplification has sparked debate among educators about potential loss of precision in mathematical education.
Sharon Vestal, a mathematics professor at South Dakota State University and the president of the South Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics, attended all standards hearings and raised concerns about the prioritization of procedures over concepts. “Mathematics is a language. It is universal, structured and exact,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining structure to avoid loss of meaning.
Statistics brought to light by Joe Graves reveal that approximately 44% of students were proficient or above on state math tests over the past five years. This marks a crucial area for improvement to ensure South Dakota’s students are well-prepared for future academic and professional challenges.
Shannon Malone, director of learning and instruction, pointed out the necessity for excellent instruction, parental support, and professional development to elevate students’ mathematical achievements. “A more simplified set of standards and robust supports could help South Dakota students realize their true potential in math,” Malone noted, underscoring a comprehensive approach to educational improvement.
The South Dakota Board of Education Standards has accepted more than 80% of actionable changes recommended by opponents throughout the process. Yet, Board President Steve Perkins acknowledged the need for minor corrections but highlighted the importance of moving forward with implementation, demonstrating the state’s commitment to dynamic educational progress.
As South Dakota continues to refine its educational frameworks, the collaborative efforts between educators, state officials, and community stakeholders signal a forward-thinking approach to preparing students for the demands of the future. The math standards revision is a testament to South Dakota’s commitment to educational excellence, an essential foundation for cultivating informed and capable future generations.