A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION, To recommend the Executive Board establish a task force to study a potential optional educational path.

WHEREAS, the purpose of education in South Dakota is to provide a learning experience that leads students to become productive and positive contributors to society; and

WHEREAS, South Dakota recognizes two certificates for high school completion: a diploma for fulfilling high school graduation requirements and a Graduate Equivalent Diploma (GED) for satisfactory completion of a high school equivalency exam; and

WHEREAS, it is compulsory in South Dakota for those 18 years or younger to attend an accredited public or nonpublic school or be provided alternative education; and

WHEREAS, as evidenced by South Dakota's graduation rate, some students need a different path to success than the traditional classroom; and

WHEREAS, a factor in truancy and classroom disruption is disengagement with learning; and

WHEREAS, South Dakota is experiencing a historic low unemployment rate with worker shortages in many sectors; and

WHEREAS, many jobs require certificates, licenses, and prior experience in order to work in the field; and

WHEREAS, the South Dakota Department of Labor reports a 94 percent retention rate for individuals enrolled in registered apprenticeship programs available to those 16 to 18 years of age; and

WHEREAS, the South Dakota Department of Education reports success with career and technical education as a means to broaden the application of traditional K-12 learning; and

WHEREAS, many trade associations are willing partners in programs to expand their employment base:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the House of Representatives of the Ninety-Eighth Legislature of the State of South Dakota, the Senate concurring therein, that the Executive Board of the Legislature should establish a multi-disciplinary task force to explore new alternatives to keep individuals 16 years or older engaged in learning opportunities that lead to high school completion. The Legislature recommends that any task force established by the Executive Board report its findings and recommendations to the standing education committees of the Senate and the House by February 1, 2024.

Adopted by the House of Representatives, January 19, 2023

Concurred in by the Senate, February 22, 2023

_____________________ _____________________ Hugh Bartels Patricia Miller Speaker of the House Chief Clerk

_____________________ _____________________ Larry Rhoden Kay Johnson President of the Senate Secretary of the Senate