SDCL § 1-54-15: Criteria for priority projects.

In selecting grant recipients, the department shall give priority to projects that meet the requirements of this chapter and show commitment to increasing student success through building cultural identities, encouraging academic perseverance, supporting the development of the whole child, and encouraging student leadership skills by demonstrating one or more of the following characteristics:

(1) Offering programming designed to lead to postsecondary readiness and work readiness;

(2) Supporting the recruitment and retention of highly effective teachers and administrators;

(3) Demonstrating commitment to the implementation of the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and Standards across the curriculum;

(4) Demonstrating a commitment to the implementation of courses offering instruction in Dakota, Lakota, or Nakota languages;

(5) Maintaining a school environment that cultivates diversity of the student population and promotes a sense of belonging;

(6) Forming partnerships with community organizations or governmental entities; and

(7) Planning for sustainability.