Regent Scholar Curriculum
The South Dakota Board of Regents established the Regents Scholar Curriculum to ensure that South Dakota high school graduates have completed a rigorous set of coursework that would prepare them for success in their post-secondary education. To meet the curriculum requirements for the Opportunity Scholarship, all recipients must receive a C or higher on all coursework including:
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4 units of English (courses with major emphasis upon grammar, composition, or literary analysis; one year of debate instruction may be included to meet this requirement).
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3 units of Social Studies (such as history, economics, sociology, geography, U.S. or South Dakota government, American problems, and similar courses).
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4 units of Algebra or Higher Mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or other advanced mathematics, as well as accelerated or honors mathematics [algebra] at the 8th grade, shall be accepted). NOT INCLUDED are arithmetic, business, consumer, or general mathematics or other similar courses.
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4 units of Science, including 3 units of approved laboratory science (courses in biology, chemistry, or physics in which at least one regular laboratory period is scheduled each week). Qualifying physical science or earth science courses (with lab) shall be decided on a case-by-case basis.
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½ unit of Computer Science (students will have basic keyboarding skills and have had experience in using computer word processing, database, and spreadsheet packages and in using the Internet or other wide area networks).
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1 unit of Fine Arts (in art, theatre, or music. Such credit may be in appreciation, analysis, or performance).
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2 units of the same Modern or Classical Language (includes American Sign Language).
Students seeking to determine whether coursework at their particular school district will be counted toward one of units in English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Fine Arts, Modern/Classical Language, or Computer Science are encouraged to review the list of approved courses for high school throughout the state in the link provided below. School administrators seeking to add a course to the approved school district course list, or modify courses on the existing list can do so by completing the attached form.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Paul D. Turman
South Dakota Board of Regents
306 E. Capitol Ave., Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501-2545
(605) 773-3455