Updated academic assessments show more students and schools making progress, and more qualified teachers in those classrooms. The state Department of Education has released the latest report from STARS, or the “Student Teacher Accountability and Reporting System.” The report shows almost 69 % of schools are progressing, with 5% in the exemplary category. Mary McCorkle, President of the South Dakota Education Association, says it takes cooperation….

The information in this report is from the new Smarter Balance testing, so it can’t be directly compared to results under the old Dakota Step test. McCorkle says the data now contains more than just test scores….

The report also shows that almost 98 % of core classes are taught by highly qualified teachers. McCorkle says that is a significant change….

The report also shows that of the 9500 teachers in the state, 34 % have advanced degrees, and on average, 14 years of classroom experience.