The bill aims to amend South Dakota's education law to require the Board of Education Standards to develop rules for a curriculum that includes the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings. This new requirement mandates that all elementary and secondary students learn about the history, language, culture, and heritage of the nine Indian tribes in the state.

Specifically, the bill changes the language in section 13-1-51 by replacing the permissive term "may" with "shall," thereby making it a requirement for the Board to create this curriculum. Additionally, it removes the previous focus on American Indian history and culture and replaces it with a broader mandate to incorporate the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings. The bill also stipulates that the Board must consult with the South Dakota Indian Education Advisory Council in fulfilling these requirements.

Statutes affected:
Senate Education Engrossed, 02/11/2025: 13-1-51