FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 10, 2023
CONTACT: Mary Stadick Smith, South Dakota Department of Education, (605) 773-7228

South Dakota again receives highest ratings under IDEA

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota has received the highest rating possible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, for both Parts B and C for the most recent reporting year, which is federal fiscal year 2021.

The state is one of only 12 across the country to meet the requirements and purposes of IDEA under both Parts B and C, according to information released recently from the U.S. Department of Education.

“South Dakota schools, providers, and families should be proud of their efforts to ensure that our youngest citizens with disabilities have access to quality services,” said Secretary of Education Joseph Graves. “South Dakota has a long history of meeting its purposes both for school-age and younger children.”

IDEA Part B measures and reports the effectiveness of special education services at the preschool and K-12 levels, while Part C refers to the state’s Birth to Three program, which provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers ages birth until a child’s third birthday with developmental delays.

IDEA details four categories for ratings:

• Meets the requirements and purposes of IDEA
• Needs assistance in implementing the requirements of IDEA
• Needs intervention in implementing the requirements of IDEA
• Needs substantial intervention in implementing the requirements of IDEA

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