Controversial new social studies standards approved

After two years of meetings and debate, new social studies standards have now been approved for South Dakota K-12 classrooms.

Monday was the last of four public hearings regarding the new standards concluding with a vote by the South Dakota Board of Education Standards. The vast majority of public testimony at those hearings was in opposition to the standards.

The board voted 5-2 to approve the social studies standard. They’ll be implemented over two years and be part of the classroom in 2025.

Board president Terry Nebelsick opposed the proposed standards and commented on how they were developed. He says the government interference that led to these standards could lead more students and parents to hate social studies.

Governor Kristi Noem pushed for these standards and applauded their passage. A release from the Governor’s office says South Dakota students “will be taught the best social studies education in the country, one that is a true accounting of our history.”

April 18, 2023