Progress Reports

Goal 4: By 2010, South Dakota will build its educator base through targeted recruitment, retention and training.

Objective 4A: Increase the number of certified teachers teaching in high need areas by 25 percent.

Initiatives:

1. Promote alternative routes to certification for high-need areas (targeting professionals in other careers.)

	Coordinate with Ryan Wise to expand Teach For America program
	Provide ongoing professional development for Teach For America teachers with intent to keep them beyond the two year commitment
	PD opportunities specific to needs on reservations Inclusion in New Teacher Academy activities Inclusion in mentoring program
	Attend state job fairs to determine needs for districts
	Market Troops to Teachers program (ongoing)
	Implement Dakota Assets program aimed at recruiting 2nd career professionals into teaching in high need areas.

Staff: Melody Schopp, Roxie Thielen, Mary Stadick Smith

2. Recruit more Native American teachers and administrators to serve in Native American schools.

Staff: Melody Schopp, Keith Moore, Roxie Thielen, tribal university faculty, teachers, administrators K12

Objective 4B: Increase the retention of teachers across the state by 20 percent.

Initiatives:

3. Create mentoring model for first- and second-year teachers and administrators.

Staff: Melody Schopp, Lanette Johnston, Darla Mayer

4. Create academy for teachers completing first year of teaching.

	Develop planning teams involving teacher leaders statewide
	National Board Certified teachers Teachers of the Year Milken teachers Mentors
	Develop activities through the 2005-06 school year for  ongoing support.
	DDN meetings Utilization of Education Service Agencies and teacher leaders to facilitate ongoing activities and support
	Research additional funding sources for an annual New Teacher Academy

Staff: Melody Schopp, Lanette Johnston, Darla Mayer

Objective 4C:  Increase the number of teachers who obtain advanced degrees or advanced certification from 20 to 40 percent.

Initiatives:

5. Continue support activities for National Board Certification.

	Create mentoring teams with South Dakota National Board Certified teachers and new candidates
	National Board Certified Teachers in South Dakota – 40 National Board Certified Teachers involved in ET network activities during the grant – 39 Current Candidates First-Year Candidates (2005 cycle): 21  (all working with our support network) Advanced/Retake Candidates: 13 (all working with our support network)
	Summer workshop opportunities for new candidates enforcing efforts for National Board Certification
	Face to face meetings with candidates to support them in their efforts towards certification
	Implement Take One program to recruit Native American teachers for National Board Certification.
	Promotional information regarding National Board Certification

Staff: Marlene Rothermel and Lanette Johnston

6. Create a statewide master’s degree program.

	Create cohorts (15-20 teachers) teamed with universities across the state
	82 teachers being supported in obtaining advanced degrees in 5 cohorts  20 teachers beginning cohort fall 2006
	Establish financial incentives
	Teacher Quality Enhancement grant 1/3, district 1/3, and teacher 1/3
	Collaborate with Board of Regents in content of master’s programs
	Research funding sources for future years

Staff: Joe Hauge, Melody Schopp, and Board of Regents

Objective 4D: Establish a teacher compensation assistance program

Initiatives:

7. Create the framework for a teacher compensation assistance program.

	Propose legislation for TCAP program.
	150 districts applied for funds for 2007-08 school year
	Apply for and implement Teacher Incentive Fund grant as a way to explore alternative methods (performance-based) of teacher compensation.