STARS Connections
The official newsletter for SD-STARS - August 2021
Report card coming soon
This year, the South Dakota Department of Education will again use SD-STARS to make Report Card data available to school districts before it is released to the public. Read more...
Fall Regional Trainings
In November, the SD-STARS team will provide trainings for district users of SD-STARS. Morning session will focus on STARS Account Managers, and afternoon sessions will be for any district user who wishes to be trained by the SD-STARS team. You can attend one or both. Below are the locations and times:
- Tuesday, November 2nd - Mitchell - STARS Account Manager (AM) / District Users (PM)
- Thursday, November 4th - Aberdeen - STARS Account Manager (AM) / District Users (PM)
- Tuesday, November 9th - Rapid City - STARS Account Manager (AM) / District Users (PM)
Educators develop data skills
Since summer 2013, the SD-STARS team has facilitated courses for educators to help develop their data knowledge and skills. Read more...
Assessment and Data Literacy initiative
The SD-STARS team has been working with the Assessment and Accountability Office on a new two-year initiative focused on developing and implementing an assessment and data literacy program that supports school improvement and student learning. Read more...
Proactive admissions, college readiness coursework
This fall, the South Dakota Department of Education will again use SD-STARS for two initiatives: proactive admissions and college readiness coursework. Read more...
SD-STARS Quick Look
Changes to the team
IRB approval
Updated resources
Password Reset
Rolling Over
Ask the Experts
The SD-STARS experts answer two questions from users.
- My district’s data did not display any student data until late summer. Is there a way to see this data sooner?
- I am a STARS Account Manager. What do I need to do to be ready for the beginning of the school year?
New data in SD-STARS
The SD-STARS team has been busy loading new data for SD-STARS users over the summer. Read more...
STARS Certified Trainers
STARS Advisory Group
The STARS Advisory Group functions much like other district-involved groups at the department. The group gives districts a voice in discussions on possible changes to, and the future of, SD-STARS. This group positively impacts SD-STARS and works to improve the partnership and communication among the Department of Education’s SD-STARS team, other department staff, and districts. Areas of discussion include new data sources, new reports, enhancements to current reports, changes to the SD-STARS portal, and district training and support. For more information, please contact the SD-STARS team at STARSHelp@state.sd.us.
Listed below are the current members of the STARS Advisory Group:
- Cheryl Butler, Edgemont
- Robin Curtis, Lyman
- Nicole Hansen, Sioux Falls
- Camille Kaul, Aberdeen
- Angela Reder, Belle Fourche
- Troy Wiebe, Pierre
About us
South Dakota STARS Connections is a bi-monthly publication for South Dakota administrators and teachers, produced by the South Dakota Department of Education. This publication is intended to communicate news and events regarding the South Dakota Student Teacher Accountability and Reporting System (SD-STARS), our Statewide Longitudinal Data System. To view an online edition of this newsletter, go to doe.sd.gov/publications.aspx.
Contact us with story ideas or questions.
CONTACTS
General Mailbox, for the quickest response to any question
Sara Kock, Team Lead
(605) 220-6548
Kim Carlson, Project Manager
(605) 773-8062
Jay Lamb, Support Lead
(605) 295-7260
Email: STARSHelp@state.sd.us
Website: doe.sd.gov/sdstars
Location: 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD, USA
Facebook: facebook.com/sddoe
Twitter: @sddoe