South Dakota Board Passes Controversial Social Studies Standards

South Dakota's Board of Education Standards voted 5-2 to implement new social studies standards starting Fall 2025, despite opposition from educators and school boards. The proposed standards have been controversial due to concerns about age appropriateness, rote memorization, and the amount of standards. The seven-member board, appointed by the governor, faced criticism for lacking certification to teach or be an administrator in an accredited school in South Dakota. The new standards will be implemented over a two-year process.