2026 How to Become a High School History Teacher in South Dakota: Requirements & Certification

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If you want to teach high school history in South Dakota, the main decision is not simply which degree to earn. You need to choose a licensure-ready preparation route, understand the South Dakota Department of Education requirements, complete supervised classroom experience, pass the required subject assessment, and prepare for the realities of teaching social studies in both rural and urban districts.

This guide is for undergraduate students, career changers, substitute teachers, and current educators considering a move into high school history or social studies instruction in South Dakota. It explains the education requirements, licensing process, student teaching expectations, curriculum standards, salary considerations, professional development options, classroom strategies, and practical ways to reduce cost before you commit to a program.

Quick answer: How do you become a high school history teacher in South Dakota?

To become a high school history teacher in South Dakota, you generally need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program, a student teaching experience, passing scores on the required Praxis Subject Assessment, a background check, and an approved licensure application through the South Dakota Department of Education. For history or social studies teaching, the Praxis Social Studies Content Knowledge exam is commonly required, with a minimum score of 155 generally used as the testing standard.

Requirement	What it means for aspiring South Dakota history teachers
Licensing authority	The South Dakota Department of Education oversees educator licensing and sets requirements for initial licensure and renewal.
Minimum degree	A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required for initial high school teacher licensure.
Teacher preparation	You must complete a state-approved educator preparation program that includes professional education coursework and supervised classroom practice.
Testing	Prospective history teachers typically take the Praxis Subject Assessment in Social Studies, with a generally required minimum score of 155.
Application	After completing the degree, preparation program, testing, and background check, candidates apply through the South Dakota Department of Education online portal. The application fee is typically around $100.
License renewal	South Dakota teaching licenses are valid for five years. Renewal generally requires at least 20 hours of professional development or continuing education credits.

Table of Contents

Education requirements for South Dakota high school history teachers
Certification and licensing steps in South Dakota
Student teaching, internships, and classroom experience
South Dakota history and social studies standards
Job market and salary expectations
Professional development and continuing education
Ways to lower the cost of becoming a history teacher
Classroom management and teaching methods
Additional certifications such as special education
Interdisciplinary strategies in history education
Early childhood education strategies for high school teachers
Interdisciplinary skill development for modern history teaching
Technology integration in South Dakota history classrooms
Using local cultural resources in history instruction
Private school versus public school history teaching
Common challenges for new history teachers
Teacher certification types and requirements
Collaboration with other disciplines
Career advancement and specialization options
Legal and ethical responsibilities
Next steps for aspiring history teachers
Resources and support for new educators

What are the educational requirements for becoming a history teacher in South Dakota?

South Dakota high school history teachers need both subject expertise and professional teacher preparation. A history major alone may not be enough if the program does not include the education coursework, student teaching, and state approval needed for licensure.

Bachelor’s degree: Initial licensure requires at least a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree can support advancement later, but it is not required for the first teaching license.
History and social studies preparation: Candidates should expect coursework in U.S. history, world history, historiography, civics, geography, economics, and related social studies areas, depending on the program structure.
Professional education coursework: Teacher preparation programs usually include pedagogy, adolescent development, assessment, classroom management, instructional planning, and methods for teaching social studies.
State-approved teacher preparation program: The safest route is a South Dakota-approved educator preparation program because it is designed to align with state licensure requirements.
Accreditation: Before enrolling, confirm that the institution is accredited and that the educator preparation program is recognized for South Dakota licensure. Programs accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) or the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) are recognized for licensure in South Dakota.
Subject matter assessment: Candidates must demonstrate content knowledge by passing the required Praxis Subject Assessment, typically the Social Studies Content Knowledge exam for history teachers.

Program choice	Best for	Important caution
History education bachelor’s degree	Students starting college who know they want to teach high school history	Confirm that the program includes student teaching and leads to South Dakota licensure.
History major plus teacher preparation	Students who want deep history training while completing education requirements	A history major without approved teacher preparation may delay licensure.
Post-baccalaureate or alternative route	Career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree	Verify state approval, testing requirements, field placement options, and timeline before enrolling.
Master’s degree in teaching or education	Career changers or licensed teachers seeking advancement	A graduate degree should still align with the license or endorsement you want.

What is the certification and licensing process for history teachers in South Dakota?

The certification process is manageable when you treat it as a sequence: complete the right program, document your classroom experience, pass the required exam, clear the background check, and submit a complete application.

Earn the required degree: Complete a bachelor’s degree in education, history education, history with teacher preparation, or another approved route that meets South Dakota requirements.
Finish a state-approved preparation program: Your program should include both social studies methods coursework and supervised clinical practice, usually culminating in student teaching.
Complete student teaching: This experience demonstrates that you can plan lessons, manage a classroom, assess learning, and teach history or social studies content under supervision.
Pass the required Praxis exam: History teacher candidates typically take the Praxis Subject Assessment in Social Studies. The minimum score of 155 is generally required to satisfy the testing standard.
Complete the background check: South Dakota requires a criminal background check for teaching candidates to help protect students and school communities.
Apply through the South Dakota Department of Education: Submit official transcripts, test results, background check documentation, and other required materials through the online licensing portal. The application fee is typically around $100.

Before you submit your application, compare your transcript, test scores, and clinical experience record against the Department of Education checklist. Many delays happen because candidates assume their university has sent all required documents when one transcript, score report, or form is still missing.

How important is teaching experience and what are the internship opportunities for history teachers in South Dakota?

Classroom experience is not optional. South Dakota candidates must complete student teaching, and that experience is often the strongest evidence that they are ready to handle a full-time classroom. A typical student teaching placement lasts a full semester and allows candidates to practice lesson planning, discussion facilitation, grading, classroom management, and communication with families under the guidance of a mentor teacher.

Where aspiring history teachers can gain experience

University-arranged placements: Education departments often coordinate student teaching assignments with partner schools. Ask early about placement locations, commuting expectations, and whether high school social studies placements are available.
Local high schools: Volunteering, classroom observation, and tutoring can help you build relationships with educators before formal student teaching begins.
Department of Education resources: The South Dakota Department of Education provides information that can help candidates understand expectations for clinical practice and educator preparation.
Substitute teaching: Substitute teaching can strengthen classroom management skills and help you understand district routines, although it does not replace required student teaching.
Tutoring and academic support: Working with students in history, civics, reading, or writing can help you learn how teenagers process complex texts and historical arguments.

How to get more value from student teaching

Set measurable goals: Choose specific areas to improve, such as leading document-based discussions, writing assessments, or managing transitions.
Ask for direct feedback: Request comments on lesson pacing, questioning techniques, student engagement, and clarity of directions.
Keep evidence of your work: Save lesson plans, assessments, reflection notes, and examples of student learning that can support future job applications.
Learn the school community: Strong history teaching depends on context. Pay attention to local culture, district priorities, student needs, and available resources.

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What are the South Dakota state standards and curriculum requirements for teaching high school history?

South Dakota history teachers are expected to align instruction with the South Dakota Social Studies Content Standards, last adopted in 2023. These standards emphasize civic understanding, historical inquiry, evidence-based reasoning, and the ability to examine events from multiple perspectives.

One important feature of South Dakota history instruction is the opportunity to connect national and world history to local, regional, and tribal histories. This matters because students often engage more deeply when they can see how broad historical themes connect to communities, cultures, and events within their own state.

Curriculum priority	How it affects classroom planning
Civic responsibility	Lessons should help students understand government, citizenship, rights, responsibilities, and participation in public life.
Historical inquiry	Students should work with evidence, primary sources, competing interpretations, and historical questions rather than memorize dates alone.
Local and tribal history	Teachers should look for appropriate ways to include South Dakota-specific histories and cultural perspectives.
Multiple perspectives	Instruction should help students analyze events through varied social, political, cultural, and economic viewpoints.
Current connections	Teachers can connect past events to civic issues and contemporary debates while maintaining accuracy and balance.

To plan effectively, start with the state standard, identify the historical skill students must practice, choose sources that match the learning goal, and design an assessment that asks students to use evidence. Teachers who want stronger research and source-evaluation strategies may also find value in related resources such as online library science programs.

What is the job market like and what are the salary expectations for history teachers in South Dakota?

The employment outlook for high school history teachers in South Dakota is generally stable, but hiring conditions can differ by district, subject combination, endorsement area, and location. Urban districts such as Sioux Falls and Rapid City may offer different salary levels and applicant pools than rural districts, where teachers may have broader course assignments or additional duties.

According to the South Dakota Department of Labor, the average salary for high school teachers, including history teachers, is approximately $50,000 per year. Actual pay can vary based on district salary schedules, years of experience, education level, negotiated agreements, and local budget conditions.

Factor	Why it matters
District location	Urban and rural districts may differ in pay, openings, class size, course variety, and extracurricular expectations.
Endorsements	Additional endorsements can make candidates more flexible, especially in smaller schools that need teachers to cover multiple subjects.
Experience	Salary schedules often account for years of teaching experience.
Graduate education	Some districts provide salary movement for approved graduate credits or advanced degrees.
Benefits	Health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and professional development support can significantly affect total compensation.

When comparing job offers, do not focus only on the posted salary. Ask about mentoring, planning time, number of course preparations, extracurricular supervision, professional development funds, benefits, and whether new teachers receive structured support during the first year.

What professional development and continuing education opportunities are available for history teachers in South Dakota?

Professional development is both a renewal requirement and a practical necessity. South Dakota teaching licenses are valid for five years, and renewal requires at least 20 hours of professional development or continuing education credits. For history teachers, the best learning opportunities improve both content knowledge and classroom practice.

South Dakota Department of Education professional learning tools: The Department of Education offers systems where educators can locate training, register for sessions, and track completed learning records.
History and social studies workshops: Workshops can help teachers update lessons, interpret standards, strengthen source-based instruction, and learn new strategies for civic education.
Continuing education credits: Teachers should confirm whether a course or workshop counts toward renewal before paying for it.
Professional organizations: Educator associations and subject-area groups can provide networking, lesson resources, policy updates, and conference opportunities.
Online education coursework: Licensed teachers who need flexibility may consider online coursework that supports renewal, endorsements, or graduate study. A good starting point is Research.com’s guide to online education degree programs.

How to reduce the financial barrier to becoming a history teacher in South Dakota?

The cost of teacher preparation can be a major obstacle, especially for career changers and students who need to work while earning credentials. The goal is to choose the least expensive route that still meets South Dakota licensure requirements and provides enough clinical preparation to make you employable.

Cost-saving strategies to consider

Start with accreditation and state approval: A cheaper program is not a good deal if it does not qualify you for the license you need.
Compare total cost, not only tuition: Include fees, books, testing, background checks, travel to placements, lost work hours, and application costs.
Use transfer credits wisely: Students with prior college credit should ask how many credits will apply to the degree or licensure plan.
Ask about scholarships and grants: Education departments, school districts, and state programs may offer aid for future teachers.
Explore loan forgiveness carefully: Some programs are tied to teaching in high-need schools or qualifying subject areas, so review service obligations before relying on them.
Consider flexible online or hybrid options: Online coursework may reduce commuting and scheduling costs, but student teaching still requires approved in-person placement.

If affordability is your main concern, review options such as the cheapest online teaching credential programs in South Dakota while confirming that any program you choose satisfies Department of Education requirements.

What are effective classroom management strategies and teaching methods for history teachers in South Dakota?

Strong history teaching requires more than lectures and textbook coverage. Teachers need routines that keep students focused, activities that make evidence meaningful, and discussions that remain respectful when topics are complex or controversial.

Strategy	How to apply it in a high school history class
Clear classroom procedures	Teach expectations for entering class, using devices, discussing sources, working in groups, and submitting assignments.
Structured discussion	Use protocols for debates, Socratic seminars, and document analysis so students know how to support claims with evidence.
Primary source analysis	Have students examine speeches, letters, maps, photographs, laws, and oral histories to develop historical reasoning.
Differentiated assignments	Offer multiple ways to demonstrate learning, such as essays, presentations, timelines, research briefs, or visual projects.
Formative assessment	Use exit tickets, quick writes, source annotations, and short quizzes to identify misconceptions before major assessments.
Technology-supported instruction	Use digital archives, interactive timelines, and multimedia resources when they advance the learning goal rather than distract from it.

New teachers should build a small set of repeatable lesson formats instead of reinventing every class period. For example, a weekly document-analysis routine can help students practice sourcing, contextualization, corroboration, and evidence-based writing across different historical units.

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How can obtaining additional certifications, such as special education, improve instructional effectiveness for history teachers in South Dakota?

Additional certifications can make a history teacher more effective and more flexible. A special education endorsement, for example, can help teachers design accessible lessons, adapt assignments, collaborate on individualized supports, and better serve students with varied learning needs. It may also strengthen employment options in districts that need teachers with multiple qualifications. Educators interested in this route can review Research.com’s guide on how to become a special education teacher in South Dakota.

What role do interdisciplinary strategies play in enhancing history education in South Dakota?

History is naturally interdisciplinary. Students use reading, writing, economics, geography, political reasoning, statistics, and cultural analysis when they study the past. Teachers who understand how students develop intellectually and socially can design better lessons, especially when topics require abstract thinking or empathy. Exploring related fields such as child development careers can help educators think more carefully about how students process complex historical ideas.

How can early childhood education strategies enrich high school history teaching in South Dakota?

High school students are not young children, but some early childhood strategies still translate well when adapted appropriately: clear routines, visual supports, scaffolding, modeling, and frequent checks for understanding. Reviewing concepts behind the preschool teacher assistant requirements in South Dakota can remind secondary teachers that developmental sequencing and structured support matter at every level of education.

Is interdisciplinary skill enhancement essential for modern history teaching in South Dakota?

Interdisciplinary skill development is increasingly useful because history teachers often teach civic reasoning, media literacy, literacy skills, discussion norms, and project-based learning alongside historical content. Even fields that seem distant from history, such as physical education, can offer ideas about movement, wellness, and experiential learning. Teachers considering broader graduate study can compare options such as affordable online master’s degrees in physical education if those credentials match their long-term goals.

How can technology integration enhance history teaching in South Dakota?

Technology works best in history classrooms when it helps students access evidence, organize information, collaborate, or receive timely feedback. Useful tools may include virtual archives, interactive maps, timelines, digital annotation platforms, recorded oral histories, and multimedia source collections. The key is to select technology that supports the standard and learning objective, not to use digital tools for their own sake. Teachers looking for broader K–12 technology ideas may also find useful comparisons in resources on how to become a kindergarten teacher in South Dakota.

How can history teachers integrate local cultural resources to enrich student learning in South Dakota?

Local resources can make history more concrete. South Dakota history teachers can partner with museums, historical societies, tribal cultural offices, libraries, archives, local historians, and community organizations to bring regional history into the classroom. These partnerships can support field trips, guest speakers, archival research, place-based projects, and student investigations into community history. Teachers who want stronger research support skills may also explore how to become a librarian in South Dakota.

What distinguishes private school teaching from public school teaching for history educators in South Dakota?

Public and private schools can differ in curriculum oversight, hiring expectations, class size, mission, administrative structure, and instructional flexibility. Public school teachers must meet state licensing requirements, while private schools may have different employment criteria depending on the institution. However, strong content knowledge, classroom management, ethical instruction, and student-centered teaching remain important in both settings. Educators comparing school environments can review how to become a private school teacher in South Dakota.

What challenges do new history teachers face and how can they overcome them?

New history teachers often face a steep adjustment during the first year. Common challenges include managing behavior, planning multiple courses, teaching controversial topics, meeting standards, adapting materials for different reading levels, and finding local resources. The best response is to seek mentorship early, build reusable lesson structures, collaborate with experienced teachers, and use formative assessment data to adjust instruction. Teachers who want creative approaches to projects, visual analysis, and student expression may also find ideas in resources on how to become an art teacher in South Dakota.

Common mistake	Better approach
Choosing a program before checking licensure alignment	Confirm state approval, accreditation, student teaching requirements, and Praxis preparation before enrolling.
Assuming all online programs qualify for South Dakota licensure	Ask the program directly whether it meets South Dakota Department of Education requirements.
Preparing for the Praxis too late	Identify the required exam early and build review into your final year of preparation.
Focusing only on salary when comparing jobs	Evaluate mentoring, course load, benefits, planning time, and district support.
Teaching controversial topics without structure	Use evidence-based discussion norms, multiple perspectives, and clear academic expectations.

What are the teacher certification types and requirements in South Dakota?

South Dakota offers certification pathways for candidates coming from traditional educator preparation programs as well as routes that may fit career changers. The right choice depends on your current degree, teaching experience, endorsement goals, and timeline. Because requirements can vary by pathway, candidates should verify the route with the South Dakota Department of Education before committing to coursework or testing. For a broader overview, see Research.com’s guide to teacher certification requirements in South Dakota.

How Can Collaboration with Other Disciplines Enhance History Instruction in South Dakota?

Collaboration helps history teachers make lessons more rigorous and relevant. Working with English teachers can strengthen evidence-based writing. Partnering with science teachers can support lessons on environmental history or technology change. Collaboration with math teachers can help students interpret historical data, population trends, economic patterns, and election results. Educators interested in cross-subject planning can compare expectations in related areas such as high school math teacher requirements in South Dakota.

What are the career advancement opportunities and specializations for history teachers in South Dakota?

History teachers can advance by deepening subject expertise, earning additional endorsements, taking on leadership roles, or moving into curriculum and administration. The best path depends on whether you want to stay primarily in the classroom or move toward leadership.

Additional endorsements: Special education, ESL, or other endorsement areas can broaden the range of students and courses a teacher can serve.
Department leadership: Experienced teachers may become department chairs, mentor teachers, instructional coaches, or curriculum leads.
Graduate study: A master’s degree in teaching, curriculum, educational leadership, or administration can support advancement depending on district requirements.
Curriculum development: Teachers with strong standards knowledge may contribute to district curriculum maps, assessment design, and instructional resources.
Specialized content expertise: Teachers may focus professional learning on American history, world history, government, economics, tribal history, or social studies pedagogy.

Teachers comparing graduate options should weigh cost, delivery format, licensure impact, and district salary policies. Research.com’s resource on low-cost online teaching degrees can help educators begin that comparison.

What legal and ethical considerations must history teachers follow in South Dakota?

History teachers work with sensitive content, student records, classroom speech, mandated reporting duties, and state curriculum expectations. Legal compliance and ethical judgment are both essential.

Valid licensure: Public school teachers must hold the appropriate South Dakota teaching license. This typically requires a bachelor’s degree, approved teacher preparation, student teaching, required testing, and a background check.
Accurate instruction: Teachers should present historical information carefully, distinguish evidence from opinion, and correct misinformation when it appears.
Inclusive classroom practice: History courses should expose students to multiple perspectives, especially when studying topics such as civil rights, Indigenous history, immigration, conflict, and social change.
Controversial issues: Teachers should use structured discussion, primary sources, and clear academic goals when addressing disputed or emotionally charged topics.
Mandated reporting: South Dakota educators must report suspected abuse or neglect, making student safety a core legal responsibility.
Awareness of state legislation: Teachers need to stay current on state laws and district policies that affect curriculum, classroom discussion, parent communication, and student rights.

Educators who want to move into leadership or higher-level education roles may benefit from reviewing career outcomes associated with high-earning master’s in education jobs, while remembering that salary outcomes are never guaranteed.

What are the next steps for aspiring history teachers in South Dakota?

Once you understand the requirements, turn the process into a checklist. First, confirm whether you need a traditional undergraduate route, a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program, or another approved pathway. Next, compare programs based on accreditation, state approval, cost, Praxis preparation, student teaching placement support, and graduate outcomes. Then build a timeline for coursework, testing, background checks, application submission, and job searching.

Review South Dakota Department of Education licensure requirements for your intended grade level and subject area.
Choose an accredited, state-approved preparation program that leads to high school history or social studies licensure.
Ask the program how student teaching placements are arranged and whether placements are available near you.
Confirm the required Praxis exam and begin preparing early.
Budget for tuition, fees, testing, background checks, transportation, and the licensure application fee.
Build experience through tutoring, observation, substitute teaching, or school-based volunteering when possible.
Apply for licensure only after your transcripts, test scores, background check, and required forms are ready.
Begin networking with districts, mentor teachers, and professional organizations before graduation.

For a focused step-by-step overview, see Research.com’s guide on how to become a high school history teacher in South Dakota.

What resources and support are available for new history teachers in South Dakota?

New history teachers should not try to build everything alone. South Dakota educators can use state resources, district mentors, professional networks, and standards-aligned teaching tools to improve instruction and reduce first-year stress.

Tools for Teachers: This South Dakota Department of Education resource provides lessons and activities aligned with state expectations, helping teachers design instruction around grade-level goals.
Formative assessment practices: Regular checks for understanding help teachers identify what students know, what they are missing, and what to reteach before a unit assessment.
Mentorship programs: Experienced teachers can help new educators with pacing, classroom management, parent communication, grading, and district procedures.
Professional networks: State and local educator organizations give history teachers a place to exchange materials, discuss standards, and learn from peers.
Workshops and training: Professional learning sessions can introduce new methods for document analysis, civic education, discussion facilitation, and technology integration.
Online degree and endorsement options: Future teachers comparing flexible preparation routes can review best value online teaching degrees.

Graduate perspectives on teaching high school history in South Dakota

: "
“Teaching history in South Dakota gives me a way to connect students with the state’s Native American heritage. When students recognize that local stories are part of larger historical patterns, the subject becomes more meaningful.” — Gerard
"

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“Coming from a small town shaped how I think about the role of a history teacher. I want students to feel safe asking questions about identity, community, and the past.” — Percy
"

: "
“Deadwood’s Old West history fascinated me when I was young. Now I use that local connection to help students see how the past still influences the present.” — Gary
"

Key Insights

Licensure planning should come first. Before choosing a degree or online program, confirm that it meets South Dakota Department of Education requirements for high school history or social studies teaching.
A bachelor’s degree alone is not enough. You also need approved teacher preparation, student teaching, required Praxis testing, a background check, and a completed licensure application.
The Praxis requirement matters early. History teacher candidates typically take the Praxis Social Studies Content Knowledge exam, with a generally required minimum score of 155.
Student teaching is a career test run. Use the placement to practice classroom management, source-based instruction, assessment, and professional communication.
South Dakota’s 2023 social studies standards shape instruction. Effective teachers align lessons with civic understanding, historical inquiry, multiple perspectives, and local or tribal history where appropriate.
Salary varies by district and role. The average salary for high school teachers, including history teachers, is approximately $50,000 per year, but benefits, location, course load, and advancement opportunities also matter.
Cost control requires careful program comparison. Look beyond tuition and evaluate fees, placement requirements, testing costs, transfer credits, accreditation, and state approval.
Additional endorsements can improve flexibility. Special education, ESL, and other credentials may expand instructional capacity and strengthen job prospects.
Strong history teaching is evidence-based and discussion-rich. The best classrooms teach students how to analyze sources, evaluate claims, consider multiple perspectives, and connect history to civic life.

References:

doe.sd.gov (n.d.). Tools for Teachers, SD Department of Education. South Dakota Department of Education
sdstate.edu (n.d.). History (B.A./B.S.) - Teaching Specialization. South Dakota State University
nea.org (20 Jun 2023). Know Your Rights: South Dakota. National Education Association

Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a High School History Teacher in South Dakota

What are the requirements to teach history in South Dakota?

To teach history in South Dakota, you must obtain a South Dakota teaching license, which requires at least a bachelor's degree in education or a related field, with a focus on history. Additionally, you must complete a teacher preparation program and pass the Praxis exams relevant to your subject area. Student teaching experience is also essential, as it provides practical classroom training. Once these requirements are met, you can apply for your teaching license through the South Dakota Department of Education.

What recent changes have been made to the certification process for history teachers in South Dakota in 2026?

As of 2026, South Dakota has streamlined its certification process for history teachers by incorporating more online resources and standardized testing options, enabling candidates to complete certain requirements remotely. A new focus on culturally responsive teaching practices has also been implemented in the curriculum.

What are the procedures for maintaining and updating teaching certification for history teachers in South Dakota in 2026?

In 2026, history teachers in South Dakota must renew their teaching certification every five years. This involves completing a minimum of six credits of continued education, which can include workshops, courses, or professional development activities approved by the South Dakota Department of Education.