KOTA Territory NewsEnglish teachers have trouble writing standards

English teachers have trouble writing standards

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) _ Math and science standards for all grade levels of South Dakota students have scored well with the American Federal of Teachers.  But the state fails in English.

In a report released today, the group says the standards clearly define what students are expected to learn in those subjects. The AFT says South Dakota's math and science standards are clear, specific and content-focused.

It also says South Dakota standards for English and social studies need improvement.

The English standards did not meet ATF criteria for any grade level. The state's social studies standards were judged well-written for middle schools and high schools, but flunked at the elementary level.

South Dakota is one of 14 states meeting 50 percent to 74 percent of ATF standards.

The South Dakota Board of Education adopted math standards in 2004, science standards in 2005, social studies standards in 2006 and English standards last year.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)  APNP-04-28-08 2301MDT