Mandate: South Dakota schools are not required to provide instruction in health education at any specific grade level.  However, beginning with students who are freshman in the fall of 2013, a .5 unit of either health or health integration will be required for high school graduation (2009).

Curriculum Content: The State Board of Education approved voluntary South Dakota Health Education Standards (2010) that broadly and collectively articulate what students should know and be able to do to adopt or maintain health-enhancing behaviors. Knowledge of core health concepts and underlying principles of health promotion and disease prevention are included in Standard 1. Standards 2 through 8 identify key processes and skills that are applicable to healthy living. Each of the 8 health education standards include performance indicators that are specific to what students should know or be able to do in support of each standard by the conclusion of each of four grade spans. (Pre-K-Grade 2, Grade 3-5, Grades 6-8 and Grade 9-12.)

Mandate:  South Dakota schools are not required to provide instruction in physical education at any specific grade level. However, beginning with students who are freshman in the fall of 2013, a .5 unit of physical education is required for high school graduation (2009).

Exemptions: Not applicable.

Curriculum Content: The State Board of Education approved voluntary South Dakota Physical Education Content Standards (2000) which are organized in grade level clusters K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.  The state does not require or recommend a specific curriculum framework or curriculum materials.

Physical Fitness Assessment: None.

The state does not require students to receive instruction on asthma education. However, the South Dakota Health Education Standards (2010) broadly and collectively articulate what students should know and be able to do to adopt or maintain health-enhancing behaviors. Knowledge of core health concepts and underlying principles of health promotion and disease prevention are included in Standard 1. Standards 2 through 8 identify key processes and skills that are applicable to healthy living. Each of the 8 health education standards include performance indicators that are specific to what students should know or be able to do in support of each standard by the conclusion of each of the four grade spans. (Pre-K-Grade 2, Grade 3-5, Grades 6-8 and Grade 9-12.) 

There are nine health education content areas which are organized around a combination of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Adolescent Risk Behaviors and traditional health education content areas. The content areas include: Alcohol and Other Drugs, Injury Prevention, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Family Life and Sexuality, Tobacco, Mental Health, Personal and Consumer Health and Community and Environmental Health. 

The state does not require or recommend a specific curriculum framework or curriculum materials.

The state does not require students to receive instruction on emotional, social, or mental health. However, the South Dakota Health Education Standards (2010) broadly and collectively articulate what students should know and be able to do to adopt or maintain health-enhancing behaviors. Knowledge of core health concepts and underlying principles of health promotion and disease prevention are included in Standard 1. Standards 2 through 8 identify key processes and skills that are applicable to healthy living. Each of the 8 health education standards include performance indicators that are specific to what students should know or be able to do in support of each standard by the conclusion of each of the four grade spans. (Pre-K-Grade 2, Grade 3-5, Grades 6-8 and Grade 9-12.) 

There are nine health education content areas which are organized around a combination of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Adolescent Risk Behaviors and traditional health education content areas. The content areas include: Alcohol and Other Drugs, Injury Prevention, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Family Life and Sexuality, Tobacco, Mental Health, Personal and Consumer Health and Community and Environmental Health. 

The state does not require or recommend a specific curriculum framework or curriculum materials.

Character Education: Statute 13-33-6.1 (1997) requires all schools to provide character development instruction, unless the governing body elects, by resolution, effective for not less than one or more than four school terms, to do otherwise.

Mandate: Statute 13-33-6.1 (1997) requires abstinence education as part of character education in all schools, unless the governing body elects, by resolution, effective for not less than one or more than four school terms, to do otherwise. Specific grades or details are not provided.

Parental Approval: No state policy.

Statute 13-33-6.1 (1997) requires abstinence education as part of character education in all schools, unless the governing body elects, by resolution, effective for not less than one or more than four school terms, to do otherwise. Specific grades or details are not provided.

Curriculum Content:   The state does not require students to receive instruction on HIV,STD and Pregnancy Prevention Education. However, the South Dakota Health Education Standards (2010) broadly and collectively articulate what students should know and be able to do to adopt or maintain health-enhancing behaviors. Knowledge of core health concepts and underlying principles of health promotion and disease prevention are included in Standard 1. Standards 2 through 8 identify key processes and skills that are applicable to healthy living. Each of the 8 health education standards include performance indicators that are specific to what students should know or be able to do in support of each standard by the conclusion of each of the four grade spans. (Pre-K-Grade 2, Grade 3-5, Grades 6-8 and Grade 9-12.) 

There are nine health education content areas which are organized around a combination of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Adolescent Risk Behaviors and traditional health education content areas. The content areas include: Alcohol and Other Drugs, Injury Prevention, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Family Life and Sexuality, Tobacco, Mental Health, Personal and Consumer Health and Community and Environmental Health.

Statute 13-33-6.1 (1997) requires abstinence education as part of character education in all schools, unless the governing body elects, by resolution, effective for not less than one or more than four school terms, to do otherwise. Specific grades or details are not provided.

Curriculum Content:   The state does not require students to receive instruction on HIV,STD and Pregnancy Prevention Education. However, the South Dakota Health Education Standards (2010) broadly and collectively articulate what students should know and be able to do to adopt or maintain health-enhancing behaviors. Knowledge of core health concepts and underlying principles of health promotion and disease prevention are included in Standard 1. Standards 2 through 8 identify key processes and skills that are applicable to healthy living. Each of the 8 health education standards include performance indicators that are specific to what students should know or be able to do in support of each standard by the conclusion of each of the four grade spans. (Pre-K-Grade 2, Grade 3-5, Grades 6-8 and Grade 9-12.) 

There are nine health education content areas which are organized around a combination of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Adolescent Risk Behaviors and traditional health education content areas. The content areas include: Alcohol and Other Drugs, Injury Prevention, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Family Life and Sexuality, Tobacco, Mental Health, Personal and Consumer Health and Community and Environmental Health.

The state does not require students to receive instruction on injury and violence prevention education (to include Bullying/Harassment, Suicide and Other Self-Abuse Prevention). However, the South Dakota Health Education Standards (2010) broadly and collectively articulate what students should know and be able to do to adopt or maintain health-enhancing behaviors. Knowledge of core health concepts and underlying principles of health promotion and disease prevention are included in Standard 1. Standards 2 through 8 identify key processes and skills that are applicable to healthy living. Each of the 8 health education standards include performance indicators that are specific to what students should know or be able to do in support of each standard by the conclusion of each of the four grade spans. (Pre-K-Grade 2, Grade 3-5, Grades 6-8 and Grade 9-12.) 

There are nine health education content areas which are organized around a combination of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Adolescent Risk Behaviors and traditional health education content areas. The content areas include: Alcohol and Other Drugs, Injury Prevention, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Family Life and Sexuality, Tobacco, Mental Health, Personal and Consumer Health and Community and Environmental Health.

Professional Development: None specified.

The minimum requirement for prospective health teachers in elementary or middle grades prior to licensure is a bachelor's degree, with two semester hours of first aid and health which is the same requirements for all prospective K through 8 teachers. For prospective teachers in high school, the state requires a bachelor's degree, with at least 24 semester hours in health coursework. The specific details of initial licensure are outlined in Administrative Rules 24:57:07:04 (2008).

A comprehensive K-12 school health education endorsement requires 18 semester hours of health that includes health methodology, injury prevention and safety, tobacco, and mental and emotional health coursework. In addition to the 18 hours, a practicum, internship or student teaching is required as well as a study in the developmental characteristics of  K-12 learners. Details of the requirements are found in Administrative Rule 24:15:06:15 (2005).

Some authorizations are issued after the educator completes the approved programs (see Administrative Rule 24:53:07:20 2008), generally at the major level, and others are issued after the PRAXIS test (see Administrative Rule 24:15:06:15 2005) verifies that the educator has met the minimum requirements for authorizations outside a major.

Statute 13-42-1 (2003) does not allow a person to teach or administer in any public school without a certificate issued by the Department of Education that authorizes such person to teach or administer in the school.

Pre-Service Requirement: The minimum requirement for prospective physical education teachers in elementary or middle grades prior to licensure is a bachelor's degree, with two semester hours of first aid and health which is the same requirements for all prospective K through 8 teachers. For prospective teachers in high school, the state requires a bachelor's degree, with at least 24 semester hours in health coursework. The specific details of initial licensure are outlined in Administrative Rules 24:57:07:04 (2008) and 24:53:07:23 (2008).

A comprehensive K-12 physical education endorsement requires 18 semester hours of physical education that includes physical education methodology, adaptive physical education, fundamentals of motor skills, individual, dual and team sports, both competitive and non-competitive, and care and prevention of athletic injuries coursework. In addition to the 18 hours, a practicum, internship or student teaching is required as well as a study in the developmental characteristics of K-12 learners. Details of the requirements are found in Administrative Rule 24:15:06:19 (2004).

Some authorizations are issued after the educator completes the approved programs (see Administrative Rule 24:53:07:23 2008), generally at the major level, and others are issued after the PRAXIS test (see Administrative Rule 24:15:06:19) verifies that the educator has met the minimum requirements for authorizations outside a major.

Professional Development: Renewal requirements must be related to preparation standards in article 24:16 and be completed between the date of issuance of the current valid certificate and the application for renewal according to Administrative Rule 24:15:03:06 (2005).

Pre-service Requirement: Statute 13-33A-1 (1993) requires school health services to be coordinated by a registered nurse. For licensure as a registered nurse, a candidate must have completed a state accredited program of registered nursing, possess a high school diploma, and pass a board approved examination as outlined in Board of Nursing Administrative Rule 20:48:03:01 (1994) and the Nurse Practice Act 36-9-30 (1981). 

Professional Development: None specified.

Student-to-Nurse Ratio: None specified.

Pre-Service Requirement: Statute 13-33A-1 (1993) requires the registered school nurse to be responsible for training and supervising any school employee who has been granted the duty of assessing and implementing services for special-needs students, administering medications, or performing specialized health care procedures.

Pre-Service Requirement: A preschool through grade 12 school counselor education program shall require a master's degree in school guidance or counseling which includes specific coursework outlined in Administrative Rule 24:53:09:01 (2008) and completion of a 600-hour internship under the supervision of a certified school counselor.

Professional Development: Requirements must be related to preparation standards in article 24:16 and be completed between the date of issuance of the current valid certificate and the application for renewal per Administrative Rule 24:15:03:06 (2005).

Student-to-Counselor Ratio: None specified.

Pre-Service Requirement: Administrative Rule 24:15:06:35 (2004) requires a birth to age 21 school psychological examiner to have a master's degree with a concentration that is psychological in nature and 30 semester hours of undergraduate or graduate coursework in specific areas detail in this policy.

Professional Development: Requirements must be related to preparation standards in article 24:16 and be completed between the date of issuance of the current valid certificate and the application for renewal per Administrative Rule 24:15:03:06 (2005).

Student-to-Psychologist Ratio: None specified.

Pre-Service Requirement: A preschool to grade 12 school social work education program shall require a master's degree in social work, which includes specific coursework outlined in Administrative Rule 24:53:09:05 (2008) and completion of a supervised internship in a social work for a period of one semester.

Professional Development: Requirements must be related to preparation standards in article 24:16 and be completed between the date of issuance of the current valid certificate and the application for renewal per Administrative Rule 24:15:03:06 (2005).

Student-to-Social Worker Ratio: None specified.

Pre-Service Requirement: None specified.

Professional Development: None specified.

Pre-service Requirement: For a coach education endorsement for K-8 elementary or 7-12 assistant coach, a candidate must have completed a care and prevention of athletic injuries course or an equivalent coaching program. For head varsity coaching, an additional methodology or theory course in the sport to be coached is required in addition to the requirements for assistant coaches. Details of the requirements are found in Administrative Rule 24:15:06:32 (2004).

Professional Development: None specified.

Additional Accountability Requirements: None

Additional Content Requirements: None

Guidance Materials: The Board of Education has produced a Model Wellness Policy (2012) based on science, research, and existing practices from exemplary states and local school districts around the country." The policy encourages school districts to establish and maintain a coordinated school health program that addresses all components of school health, including mental health services and school health services, which are not addressed in the model. Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4 (2007) requests all qualifying school districts in South Dakota to use Model Wellness Policy as a guideline. 

Other: The state Department of Education collects a copy of each local agency's policy is gathered at time of their Program Review. The Department also conducted an electronic survey concerning the implementation of local wellness policies.

Food Services: Statute 13-35-1 (1997) allows school districts to enter into contractual agreements with the Division of Education Services and Resources to establish school food services programs. Statute 13-35-2 (1975) allows pupils and school personnel to be charged for meals fed through a food services program.

Adequate Time to Eat: No state policy.

School Breakfast: No state policy. 

Food Allergies: No state policy.

Farm-to-School: No state policy.

Vending Machines/School Stores: No state policy.

Other Food Sales: No state policy.

School Gardening: No state policy.

General Physical Activity Requirement: No state policy.

Recess or Physical Activity Breaks: No state policy requiring or recommending recess.

Recess Before Lunch: No state policy.

Walking/Biking to School: No state policy.

Interscholastic Athletics: Statute 13-36-4 (2003) gives the school board power to delegate the control, supervision, and regulation of any high school interscholastic activities to any voluntary, non-profit association Statute 13-36-7 (2003) deems any student enrolled in a public school district eligible to participate in any interscholastic activity sponsored by the SD High School Activities Association.

Concussion and Sports-Related Head Injury: Statute 13-36 (2011) requires the South Dakota High Schools Activities Association to develop guidelines to inform and educate member schools, coaches, athletes and parents to the nature and risk of concussion. Each athlete must sign a concussion information sheet prior to their participation in youth athletic activities. Requirements for the information sheet and the guidelines are outlined in the statute. I also requires the South Dakota High School Activities Association and the Department of Education to develop a training program for coaches, which they must attend each year. It requires athletes to be removed from play at the time an athlete exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with concussion, or is suspected of sustaining a concussion.

Administrative Rule 24:08:03:01 (2001) requires educators to make a reasonable effort to maintain discipline and order in the classroom and the school system to protect the students from conditions harmful to learning, physical and emotional well-being, health, and safety.

Bullying/Harassment: No state policy.

Fighting/Gangs: The state does not have a policy specifically addressing fighting and gangs; however, Statute 13-32-2 (1990) allows superintendents, principals, supervisors, and teachers and their aids to use physical force when reasonable and necessary for supervisory control over students.

Hazing: No state policy.

Weapons: Statute 13-32-7 (2002) states that no one, other than law enforcement, is allowed to possess, store, keep, leave, place, or give possession to another any firearm, air gun, or other dangerous weapon on primary or secondary school premises, vehicle, or building; including any premise, vehicle, or building leased for school activity. Violation of this policy, whether or not any person is endangered, is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Starting guns at athletic events, firearms or air guns at firing ranges, gun shows, supervised schools or sessions for training in the use of firearms, and the ceremonial presence of unloaded weapons at color guard ceremonies are not prohibited. Administrative Rule 24:05:26:08.01 (2000) outlines procedures to follow if an expulsion due to a violation of the school’s weapons rules.

Drugs and Alcohol: Statute 13-32-9 (2003) states that “Any person adjudicated, convicted, or the subject of a suspended imposition of sentence for possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances or marijuana…is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity at any secondary school accredited by the Department of Education for one year.” Subsequent offenses will result in permanent ineligibility.

Collaboration with Law Enforcement: No state policy.

Bullying/Harassment: No state policy.

Cyberbullying: No state policy.

Hazing: No state policy addressing elementary or secondary schools.

Response and Management Plans: No state policy.

Reporting Incidents of Violence: No state policy.

Code 22-36-2 (2002) prohibits smoking tobacco or carrying any lighted tobacco product in any public place including any elementary or secondary school building as defined in Code 22-36-3 (2002).

Although not specific to schools, Code 34-46-14 prohibits smoking in public or place of employment prohibited, violation of this section is considered a petty offense. No person may smoke tobacco or carry any lighted tobacco product in any public place or place of employment.

No state policy.

No state policy.

No state policy.

Vision and Hearing: No state policy.

Chronic Health Conditions: No state policy.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Screening: No state policy.

Staff Administration: Statute 13-33A-1 (1993) requires a public school system to provide school health services, including assessments and the implementation of the administration of medications, to be coordinated by a registered nurse.

Self-Administration of Asthma Medication: No state policy.

Self-Administration of Anaphylaxis Medication: No state policy.

Psychotropic Medications: No specific state policy.

Storage and Record-keeping: Statute 13-33A-2 (1993) requires the State Board of Education to have established requirements for storage and control of medications at the school site.

Requirement to Provide Services: No state policy. Statute 13-32-3 (1961) prohibits a public school administrator or teacher from referring a student for psychiatric treatment without prior consent from the student's parent or guardian.

Identification of Students with Mental or Emotional Disorders: No state policy.

Substance Abuse: No state policy.

Suicide Prevention: No state policy.

HIV, STD, and Pregnancy Testing and Counseling: No state policy.

Immunity of Liability: No state policy.

Detailed, current information about immunization requirements by state is maintained by the National Network for Immunization Information.  Select your state from the drop down box under Search for State Vaccine Requirements for School Entry."

Exemptions: Code 13-28-7.1 (2005) allows for exemption from immunization requirements under the following circumstances: (1) Certification from a licensed physician stating the physical condition of the child would be such that a test or immunization would endanger the child's life or health, or (2) Submission of a written statement signed by one parent or guardian indicating that the child is an adherent to a religious doctrine whose teachings are opposed to immunization.

No state policy.

South Dakota has no state law or administrative rule that addresses attendance for pregnant or parenting students. The state may, however, offer day-care for children of enrolled students outlined in Statute 13-8-39.2 (1989).

Administrative Rule 24:05:27:01.03 (2000) requires a student's individualized education program to contain a statement of related services that will be provided for the student. Administrative Rule 24:05:27:16 (2000) outlines the related services, which includes school health services. Similarly, Administrative Rule 67:16:37:03 (1991) requires a school district to have a plan of care for each child receiving medical services, which can be substituted with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP).

State Level: No state policy.

Local Level: No state policy.

State Level: No state policy.

Local Level: No state policy.

Student Health-Related Records: South Dakota does not have a policy regarding the confidentiality of school health records that goes beyond the federal FERPA requirements. However, the state does recommend that schools use the American School Health Association's Guidelines for Protecting Confidential Student Health Information.

Student Health-Related Services: No state policy.