South Dakota
Four tests are enough
Home School Legal Defense Association classifies South Dakota as a state with "moderate regulation" of home schooling. This is primarily because the state requires home schoolers in grades 2, 4, 8, and 11 to take a standardized achievement test, and submit the results to the local school district.
On March 27, 2002, the White River School District sent a letter to home school families within its boundaries, informing them: "The White River Board of Education has determined that they would like to test all 6th grade students as an off grade testing year to help determine the progress of children of that age group." The letter ended with an appropriate typo: "Thank you for your coorperation [sic] with this required testing matter."
When the Miller* family received the letter, they promptly contacted HSLDA's legal department. Staff Attorney Scott Somerville called the school district. The school principal acknowledged that he has no authority to require 6th grade testing, but stated that the school board had made the decision to require it anyway. When Attorney Somerville gently but firmly explained that our member family would not be participating in testing that went beyond the law, the principal said they were free to simply decline if they didn't want to take part.
Mr. and Mrs. Miller quickly drafted a letter to the district respectfully declining to participate in this "off grade testing." Through such small acts of courage, South Dakota home schoolers have maintained their family freedoms over the years. HSLDA urges all home educating families to do their part to preserve the blessings of liberty for ourselves—and our posterity.
— Scott W. Somerville
* Editor's Note: Name changed to protect family's privacy.
