More than 1,000 educators have registered to attend the Department of Education’s (DOE) Literacy Summit in Mitchell, June 16-17, 2026, announced Division Director for Learning and Instruction Shannon Malone. This unprecedented number of educators has stepped forward to elevate their skills in teaching the Science of Reading, engaging in a professional development event that will empower them in using strategies and tools to confidently teach young learners the literacy skills necessary for their education journeys.
“This is a tremendous milestone to help our kids learn to read,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Our schools are embracing proven, research-based instruction through the Science of Reading. Our investments are delivering real results for our students, our teachers, and the future of our state.”
State government has committed to improving reading proficiency rates among students through SOR, a phonics-based teaching method which also emphasizes phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Science of Reading has been the critical factor in at least two southern states which have improved reading proficiencies so dramatically as to be commonly called the “Mississippi Miracle.” Educational researchers across the country have concluded, in a consensus rare in the field that SOR principles make the difference.
“This is why South Dakota elementary classrooms now need to focus their reading instruction on the SOR approach.” said Secretary of Education Joseph Graves. “It works. It has always worked. This Literacy Summit is one more opportunity for our state’s teachers to gain expertise in SOR from some of the most prominent researchers and practitioners in the country.”
The state invested $6 million to develop coursework not only for current teachers but also for teacher candidates in universities, ensuring new teachers entering the field will already be proficient in the SOR approach. In addition to the SOR-based coursework, the DOE is administering a $53 million federal grant to help school districts adopt SOR teaching practices, through professional development, reading coaches, and curriculum purchases.
This investment means the learning will not stop at the Literacy Summit. Opportunities throughout the summer include in-person Summer Foundational Reading courses for educators in all roles to study best practices for teaching and writing. No matter their background, educators also can engage at their own pace in their own setting by enrolling in the Literacy Blueprint courses – more than 2800 educators have already registered. Developed in partnership with the South Dakota Board of Regents, the Blueprint courses equip educators with the crucial knowledge and skills they need for effective reading instruction – whether they are elementary, high school, or even non-ELA teachers, and including administrators.
Educators at the Literacy Summit will learn from Dr. Daniel Willingham about how children’s brains work and what that means for literacy, as well as engage in 68 different breakout sessions. Held at Mitchell High School June 16-17, the Summit will be a rallying point for the efforts statewide.
Remaining spots for the Summit are limited; educators may register through May 21.
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