REGENTS REPORT
REGENTS REPORT
South Dakota Higher Education: Good Investment. Great Future. NO. 61, 01/17/96
Seamless Education in South Dakota
The Public University System
Role
In recent months, a great deal of public attention has been
focused on our education system and how its different
parts-pre-school through graduate studies-can work more closely
together and with businesses and communities to make the most of
available resources and improve service and opportunity for
students. This concept is referred to as seamless education,
and Governor Janklow has charged a task force with developing
recommendations to bring greater seamlessness to all parts of
South Dakota's education system-public, private, and tribal. A
more seamless approach to education in South Dakota will make it
easier for students who have demonstrated competency to progress
through the education system, and will encourage closer working
relationships among educational institutions and between
education and business. South Dakota's public university system
is currently engaged in a number of activities that promote
seamlessness in education, and will work to continue and expand
those activities.
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PEOPLE
The state's public universities currently partner with other
institutions and business and industry on a number of fronts.
Following are some representative examples:
| 2+2+2 Program | Native American students are identified and mentored during their last two years of high school, two years at a tribal college/university, and two years at SDSU. |
| Pro Bono Program | Under the supervision of practicing lawyers, USD Law School students represent indigent persons living in Sioux Falls and the surrounding area. |
| Technical Assistance Program | This program makes use of SDSM&T human and physical resources to resolve technical problems of business and industry. Students work on various community and business/industry projects through internships. |
| Distance Education | DSU is engaged in collaborative course projects with Sinte Gleska University using distance education. |
PARTNERSHIPS WITH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The public universities also reach out to high schools, and
important link in seamless education. High school students have
opportunities to advance their academic careers, save money, and
prepare for college through Advanced Placement (AP) courses and
tests and by enrolling in university courses offered to high
school students.
High school students can jump-start their academic careers and
receive high school credit through university courses offered to
high schools. This is an efficient means to provide university
opportunities to students across the state. High school student
enrollment in university courses rose 23% between 1995 and 1996.
University Opportunities for High School Students
SOURCE: Board of Regents
*Other: includes Internet,
SDPTV, cable TV, & videotape
Advanced Placement (AP) exams reduce the required course loads
for students at public universities by allowing them to earn
college credit based on exam scores. The number of AP exams taken
in South Dakota rose 158% between 1991-96.
The Growth of AP Exams in South Dakota: 1991-96
SOURCE: Board of Regents
CONCLUSION
South Dakota's Unified System of Public Higher Education is moving forward with seamless education policy by developing existing partnerships with businesses, public schools, and developing new collaborative efforts within the public university system.