GOAL: To develop a statewide K-16 system that engages, prepares, and sustains continuous development of professionals whose content and pedagogical knowledge advances student learning.

Objective 1. All of the teacher preparation programs in the state’s five public universities will be redesigned to reflect the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

 Activities include –
      MERLOT training for faculty and K-16 math and science teachers
      NBPTS Course Integration [Professional Development Sessions]
      Praxis Test Series Analysis and Integration

Objective 2. To provide learning opportunities for quality education for paraprofessionals that reflect the standards of the NBPTS.

 Activities include –
      Recruit and enroll paraprofessionals to TTL and AREA – [DECA]
      Design university course for paraprofessionals related to NBPTS and recruit and enroll them
      Tuition assistance for paraprofessionals for TTL and NBPTS

Objective 3. To launch the professional development for all practicing teachers that introduces the practices set by the NBPTS – practices that demand reflective practice, portfolio collections, and student work analysis.

 Activities include –
      “Getting to Know NBPTS” forums [DECA and TIE]
      Forums for consolidated – certified plan for professional development [DECA]
      Revise TTL and AREA curriculum to reflect NBPTS
      Review/revise math and science content standards

Objective 4. To develop and initiate a system that recruits and supports practicing teachers who will pursue and earn National Board Certification.

 Activities include –
      Develop seminar courses for graduate credit for teachers pursuing NBC
      Develop cohorts and provide technical assistance [DECA]
      Enlist National Board Certified Teachers as mentors/coaches [DECA]

Objective 5. To establish a consortium that will take leadership for the advancement of quality teaching and learning relative to National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

 Activities include –
      Participation in Academy from SDEA, ASBSD, SASD, BASEC, TIE, BOR,      Governor’s Panels, and LRC [DECA]
      Formalize membership for Leadership Academy [DECA]
      Conduct 4 academies a year

Objective 6. The South Dakota Legislative Research Council (LRC) will participate with the Leadership Academy in the review of existing legislation relative to the goals of the Teacher Quality Enhancement Project.

 Activities include –
           Ascertain Senator Ed Olson agreement [DECA]
           Formalize LRC’s participation [DECA]