PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Larry Rhoden announced that new K-12 math standards were approved by a unanimous vote from the Board of Education Standards on Tuesday, marking a formal shift away from Common Core frameworks in the state.

“We’re replacing common core with common sense in South Dakota’s math standards – and that’s a great thing,” Rhoden said. “Now, parents will be better able to actually help their students with their homework. I’m proud to be able to deliver these results for to improve education outcomes for our students.”

The final draft passed 7-0 following four consecutive public hearings. The new standards prioritize simplified terminology, real-world scenarios, and a balance of conceptual understanding with explicit instruction. Key updates include consolidated standards to reduce redundancy and a greater emphasis on visual models and drawings in early elementary grades.

Department of Education Secretary Dr. Joe Graves said the updates are aimed at improving clarity and instructional alignment. The standards were developed through research and input from K-12 and post-secondary educators, focusing on shifting from inquiry-based learning to explicit instruction while maintaining rigor.

In Rapid City, school officials are already preparing for the transition.

“Rapid City Area Schools uses the SD Math Standards; our current standards were adopted in 2018 and implemented in 2019,” said Jennifer Roberts, Director of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation for Rapid City Area Schools. “While the current SD Math Standards are heavily influenced by the Common Core Math Standards, they are not identical.”

Roberts noted that the new standards include changes to domains and coding systems.

“The SD Math Standards have been updated, and Rapid City is currently seeking resources to support instruction of these new standards,” Roberts said. “RCAS will fully implement the newly adopted SD Math Standards in the fall of 2027.”