Washington — U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today announced the approval of South Dakota's consolidated state plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

"South Dakota's plan met the requirements of the law, and so I am happy to approve it," said Secretary DeVos. "This plan should not be seen as a ceiling, but as a foundation upon which South Dakota can improve education for its students." Allowing states more flexibility in how they deliver education to students is at the core of ESSA. Each state crafted a plan that it feels will best offer educational opportunities to meet the needs of the state and its students. The following are some of the unique elements from South Dakota's approved plan as highlighted by the state:

• Promotes work-based learning in the state through a pilot program in which participating schools will utilize a framework of career advising, early postsecondary opportunities, and work-based learning experiences to pave the way for students to make informed decisions about their postsecondary and career plans.
• Ensures all high school students graduate ready for college, career and life by assessing readiness and measuring progress towards a post-high-school credential.