The South Dakota Catholic Conference supports the passage of Senate Bill 177, a bill that aids parents who choose to educate their children consistent with South Dakota’s “alternative education” statute. These provisions apply to parents who choose homeschooling, micro-schools, many remote learning options, tutoring, or in the numerous small community- or faith-based schools that fall under the alternative education statute. Senate Bill 177 would streamline reporting and testing requirements and would ensure all children in the state have access to interscholastic activities important to their formation and development. The Church teaches parents are the primary and principle educators of their children, and that they need and are entitled to the subsidiary help of civil society and other institutions in fulfilling this sacred duty.  Senate Bill 177 aims to provide such help.

Categories: 2021 Session