Free Online Tutoring Comes to South Dakota K–12 Students Statewide

South Dakota has launched a free online tutoring program for all K–12 students in the four core subjects of English/Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. The program is funded by federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan.

Administered by the South Dakota Department of Education and the South Dakota Board of Regents, tutoring is taught by current School of Education university students at Northern State University or Black Hills State University. Sessions are one-on-one and can be accessed on demand or, if a specific subject or tutor is not available, booked ahead of time, with session reminders sent by email or text. Tutors are available seven days a week, excluding holidays, and help with homework, specific subjects, and broader educational concepts. More information on the tutoring program and how to sign up can be found on the Dakota Dreams website.

Device and system requirements are a laptop, including Chromebook, or desktop computer running Windows 10, 11 and higher, MacOS 10.12 Sierra and higher, Chrome OS, or Linux. Smart phones are not currently supported, and tablets are not recommended, due to limited capability. The program uses the virtual Pearl Online Classroom platform. Go here for more specifics on the platform and system requirements.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

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