This bill amends South Dakota law to mandate that all certified educators, whether new to the profession or coming from out-of-state, must complete a three-credit-hour course in South Dakota Indian Studies. The course is designed to cover essential components such as language and cultural awareness, history, educational theory related to traditional tribal education, and strategies for implementing Indian learning styles, curriculum development, and authentic assessment.

The specific legal language being amended is found in section 13-1-48, which now explicitly requires this course for certified educators. This initiative aims to enhance educators' understanding and appreciation of South Dakota's Indigenous cultures and histories, thereby improving educational outcomes for Native American students.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 12/27/2024: 13-1-48
Enrolled, 02/10/2025: 13-1-48