South Dakota’s education department is considering alternatives to the state’s teacher certification exam to help with teacher shortages in rural and tribal districts.

The discussion began at the Indian Education Advisory Council meeting in June, after a request from Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate members.

South Dakota Education Association president Stephanie Hageman is on the council and said the idea got mixed reviews. Hageman wants specific data to see if alternatives would make a difference and questions whether the state wants to do this.

“Is this opening a can of worms for the entire state and lowering the expectations of the highly qualified educators that we currently have or are seeking in the state of South Dakota?” Hageman said.

A report reviewed by the council found pass rates for the Praxis exam, the test South Dakota requires for certification, vary by race. It found 75% of white candidates passed, compared with 57% of Latino and 38% of Black test-takers.

The report’s author noted it didn’t include Native Americans because too few candidates take the exam. The report’s author said that speaks to a shortage of Native American teachers entering the profession.

The report from the June meeting also examined other states that use exam alternatives, including Minnesota and New Mexico.

Sherry Johnson, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribal education director, said one option is a portfolio that showcases what applicants have done in the classroom. Johnson said considering different pathways could help address South Dakota’s teacher shortage and increase the number of Native American teachers.

“We need teachers that are from our area, from our communities, and I think that holds true for all communities, that their best teachers are invested into their communities as well as into their school community,” Johnson said.

Taking the Praxis exam can cost hundreds of dollars, and candidates must pay those fees again to retake it.

Hageman acknowledged the test can be difficult to pass, and Hageman would like to see additional support to prepare people for it.

“I don’t think lowering the standard and taking away the test is what we want to do. I think we need to focus more on supporting those who have completed their teacher education programs to make sure that they are ready to be in front of our students across the state,” Hageman said.

Johnson noted the state’s education secretary didn’t offer a timeline for next steps in the discussion.