Updated 2025
State Information
The purpose of this document is to capture state-by-state information of policy and guidelines related to the science of reading / evidence-based reading instruction to be presented on The Reading League Compass, a website of reliable and reputable guidance and resources for targeted stakeholder groups.
Details
Local control?
Yes
Has your state passed legislation and/or non-legislated rule changes related to the science of reading?
No legislation or rules changes at this time.
Does your state have an approved curriculum list?
No
Was evidence-aligned reading instruction a consideration for the curriculum review?
The South Dakota Literacy Framework was release in August of 2023 which recommends a curriculum audit for alignment to SoR.
Does your state mandate or provide guidance on early screening?
South Dakota does not mandate early screening.
Please describe any other assessment work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable
The only assessments that we require are the NAEP and our statewide yearly assessments.
Does your state have policy or guidance related to MTSS that incorporates information on the science of reading and/or evidence-based literacy practices?
Yes. We have an MTSS program that incorporates the science of reading but participation is voluntary and generally grant based.
Does your state have policy or guidance related to instruction and/or professional development
We don’t have specific policy; however, with legislative funds, we were able to work with our regental universities to write Literacy Blueprint courses specifically for South Dakota teachers. https://doe.sd.gov/literacy/BOR.aspx
They were just released on Oct 14, 2025. We also continue to offer Foundational Reading Courses.
Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading?
As a CLSD grantee, South Dakota has built/is building several literacy support courses to support our grantees’ work along with all other districts. Link to courses: https://doe.sd.gov/literacy/documents/SupportCourses.pdf
Please describe any grant work that names the science of reading and/or evidence-aligned instruction including links, where applicable
As a CLSD grantee, South Dakota has built/is building several literacy support courses to support our grantees’ work along with all other districts. Link to courses: https://doe.sd.gov/literacy/documents/SupportCourses.pdf
Along with the linked courses above, we are working with two regental universities to build a literacy coach program which will be part of their master’s programs.
- Multi-tiered System of SupportsThe only grant work would be through MTSS.
Has your state reviewed standards for alignment to the science of reading?
Standards have been reviewed (June 2024) and aligned to SoR. Full implementation will be school year 2026-2027.
Does your state have guidance or resources for families related to the science of reading?
Family Implementation Guide and support course. Guide is here: https://doe.sd.gov/literacy/documents/FamilyGuide-0823.pdf
Do you have policy or guidance regarding how to leverage evidence-based practices to support secondary students?
No
Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading and Multilingual learners?
Yes, an SoR training course has been developed for ELL teachers. https://doe.sd.gov/literacy/documents/SupportCourses.pdf
In addition, we have a DOE website for English Language Learners.
Does your state have licensure or program approval criteria to ensure Educator Preparation Programs are aligned to the science of reading?
No. We do not; however, our higher ed teacher prep instructors collaborated to write the Literacy Blueprint courses. https://doe.sd.gov/literacy/BOR.aspx
Please describe and link to any other work you would like to share that relates to the science of reading
Along with CLSD grantees, South Dakota Department of Education has launched a Literacy Pilot Program for districts near regental universities to receive support from university SoR experts to build literacy plans and receive other literacy support based on district needs.
Do you have a “contact us” website that we can share publicly on TRL Compass?
Interactive State Map
Use the interactive state map to find descriptions of state-level policy adoption, guidance, and practices related to the science of reading. State policy may include legislation incorporating training or practices related to the science of reading or state education agency guidance regarding policy, professional development, curricula, instruction, or assessment.
The Reading League expresses gratitude to our collaborators and associates within the state education agencies for sharing their state-specific data. This data will undergo semi-annual updates, contingent upon the availability and resources of the respective state agencies. For any inquiries, clarifications, or updates, please reach out to compass@thereadingleague.org.