Full program description
The Office of Assessment and Accountability provides statewide leadership, guidance, and professional learning for all South Dakota assessment programs. Through year‑round training, webinars, and regional workshops, the office supports educators, assessment coordinators, and administrators in understanding and implementing state‑required assessments for grades 3–8, SD-ACT, Alternate Assessments, and English learners.
In addition to supporting summative assessments, the office offers hands‑on training and guidance for interim assessments, which—while not required—serve as valuable tools for monitoring student progress and strengthening instructional decisions. Staff also promote and support high‑quality formative assessment practices that help educators gather real‑time insights to inform daily teaching and learning.
The Office of Assessment & Accountability also provides focused training and support on the Accountability Report Card. These trainings help districts and schools navigate the report cards and understand the data for each of the key indicators. After reviewing the trainings, educators will be able to accurately review and interpret their data, identify potential issues before they affect reporting, and make informed decisions using statewide performance measures.