January 23, 2024

High School Graduation Requirements

How The Changes Impact Your Student

The High School Diploma requirements are those that EVERY student must earn as set by the South Dakota Department of Education. The total 22 credit requirements and credit-by-subject requirements have remained the same. The change comes in what path the student takes to meet the subject level requirements

For more information that helps explain high school graduation requirements, view our Parent Brief on High School Graduation.

While considering high school graduation, South Dakota Parent Connection has two additional briefs that might be of help to families and youth.

Students need to be mindful about whether or not they receive accommodations or modifications in courses needed for graduation. These terms are often used interchangeably. However, they are different and distinct. To learn more about what is an accommodation, or a modification view our Parent Brief on Accommodations and Modifications.

Finally, if you have a student who was once on an IEP but may have been dismissed at some point because he/she no longer qualified for services and supports through special education, the Parent Brief "Exciting IEP Services and Supports" may be of interest to you. While no longer eligible for special education services in school, your child may still have a disability that may require supports through other community resources out of the school setting. Check out this Parent Brief at Exiting IEP Services and Supports.

Seeking Applications

A vacancy has recently opened on the Family Support Council for which we are seeking applications for volunteer council members. The Family Support 360 Council was established by Executive Order 2003-06, assigned by the Governor of South Dakota, effective September 22, 2003. If you or someone you know is interested in serving on the Family Support 360 Council, we are encouraging you to apply. The link to the council application can be found here.

The Family Support 360 and Shared Living Program study recommended that DHS create space in the Family Support Council for more self-advocate participation. We are hopeful to increase the number of applications that we receive for an individual with a developmental disability who would be willing to serve on the council.

Please contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities at (605) 773-3438 with any questions or suggestions. 

Hand Picked

At South Dakota Parent Connection, parents and professionals contact us to help answer questions they have. Here are some resources picked out by our staff to help answer some of the more commonly asked questions.





• When Parents Disagree on How to Raise Their Child with ADHD article
• Smartphones: Preparing for Healthy Use tip sheet and recorded webinar
• Strategies to Help You and Your Child Develop Healthier Social Media Habits article

Join the Fun and Learn Together

• Amazing Speakers
• Breakout conversations for reflection and collaboration
• Prizes and MORE!



Power Hour is an interactive virtual learning event for South Dakota childcare providers and other early learning professionals.

Credit for attendance is available.

Theme: Seasonal Sensory Inspirations

When: February 12, 2024

Time: 7:30 CT / 6:30 MT

This e-publication was developed under grants from the U.S. Department of Education Project Grant H328M2000666 and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant H328M140021, Family to Family Health Information Center, $93,175; and approximately 5% financed with non-governmental resources. The contents should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by US Department of Education, HRSA, HHS or the Federal Government.