PIERRE, S.D. – More than 400 South Dakota educators will attend the Department of Education’s Civics & History Summit at the Sioux Falls Convention Center, June 3-4. The summit is designed to provide resources for South Dakota teachers as they prepare to implement the state’s new social studies standards in their classrooms.

“We are excited about the promise of the standards in preparing the next generation of South Dakotans,” said Secretary of Education Joe Graves. “The summit elevates the teaching of civics and history, reminding us of the importance of preparing students who have the foundational knowledge and skills to become productive citizens and leaders.” 

The two-day event will feature a keynote by Northern State University’s Dr. Christian Pirlet and a fireside chat with former Gov. Dennis Daugaard. There will be performances by the Black Pipe Singers from Norris Elementary in White River and the American Historical Theatre, featuring a debate between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.

Participants will attend breakout sessions that address topics such as how to use children’s literature to meet the standards, how South Dakota and the reservations got their shapes, and how to access instructional materials aligned to the standards.

The department held a similar event in June 2023.

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