The South Dakota Afterschool Network works to better our state and its communities by connecting providers, parents and policymakers with proven tools and resources to increase the quality of and access to out-of-school time programming for K-12 children and youth.

Afterschool is a lifeline that keeps youth safe, helps kids learn and grow, and provides parents the ability to work without worry. While South Dakota is home to more than 300 afterschool programs, the demand for programs exceeds available spaces. In fact, 1 in 3 South Dakota children (34 percent) who are not in an afterschool program would be enrolled if it were available. That’s more than 42,000 children who are missing out on opportunities to participate in programming that supports their development academically, socially and economically.

Afterschool can provide valuable opportunities for students to explore STEM, and we are here to help your program succeed in STEM Learning! From webinars and trainings to our signature TMC Trailers that bring turnkey STEM activities to your doorstep, our diverse collection of resources meets you and your students where you are and provides the support you need to deliver quality programming to your students at any age. 

The South Dakota Afterschool Network wanted to create a mapping tool to better understand the landscape of afterschool and summer programs available for children and families. From the initial launch of the new mapping tool, we have identified some startling findings.

Training and Professional Development – August

STEM

Webinar: Addressing STEM Stereotypes with Youth and Young Adults – Join us to learn how to combat pervasive STEM stereotypes with youth and young adults. Back by popular demand! This webinar is the first of a two-webinar series on addressing STEM stereotypes with children and youth. This webinar will dig deeply into research and best practices related to addressing STEM stereotypes with older youth and young adults. Speakers include researchers and educators who will share strategies and resources to counter and break down STEM stereotypes.

October 13, 2022 11:00 – 12:00 PM PST; REGISTER HERE

PEAR Trainings

PEAR staff provides ongoing technical assistance, quarterly data reports, and online data management support for all D oS observers for two years post-certification.

DOS Certification Training

The training process involves a two-day live webinar training, completion of video calibration exercises, a one-hour live calibration session, and successful completion of two practice observations in the field. PEAR staff offer live, webinar DoS training monthly and in-person training for state networks or organizations can be arranged as needed for an additional cost. PEAR staff provides ongoing technical assistance, quarterly data reports, and online data management support for all DoS observers for two years post-certification. Dates and times are: 

  • October 19-20; 10-4pm ET. (register by October 5)

REGISTER HERE

 

Recertification Training for DOS Observers

Please note that observers that have been certified for two or more years need to complete recertification to make sure they are continuing to use the tool reliably. Dates and times are:

  • November 8, 2022; 10-1pm ET (register by October 25) 

REGISTER HERE

 

ACRES Cohorts

ACRES is a nationally acclaimed coaching program that builds knowledge and skills so after school educators, librarians and anyone who works with youth in out-of-school settings can confidently facilitate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) experiences for youth. More information found here. 

August Cohort: Asking Purposeful Questions

Questions are the beginning of a path towards discovery, imagination, and STEM exploration. How can we help youth expand and clarify their thinking and develop their reasoning through the questions we ask them? This module is a great way to train new staff on how to facilitate STEM learning. Experienced educators also love being part of a cohort as a way to connect with other educators across the country, to learn new lesson plans, and to reflect on practice.  This is our introductory module and a prerequisite to other opportunities. *The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort. 

DATES: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM Eastern Time on the following Wednesdays: 8/10/2022, 8/31/2022, 9/21/2022

REGISTER: Use the code AC145PQ in this form www.tinyurl.com/registeracres 

 

September Cohort: Modeling Math Practices

Are you looking for fun ways to help youth build number sense and problem-solving skills? Math can take on new meaning when it is integrated into daily routines in our afterschool programs. In this module, after school educators will explore and practice strategies for making math engaging and accessible. *The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort. 

DATES: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Time on the following Wednesdays: 9/28/2022, 10/12/2022, 10/26/2022

REGISTER: Use the code AC240MP in this form www.tinyurl.com/registeracres 

 

October Cohort: Modeling Engineering Practices

Engineering has become a staple of STEM programming for youth. How can we confidently bring engineering into our programming and support youth as they engage in problem solving? In this module, participants gain first-hand experience with engineering by solving a design problem. They examine the components of the engineering design process and discuss ways to model the process with youth. Asking Purposeful Questions is a prerequisite to this skill. *The expectation is that you will be live at all three sessions and an active member of this coaching cohort.

DATES: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Eastern Time on the following Tuesdays: 10/4/2022, 10/18/2022, 11/01/2022

REGISTER: Use the code AC281EP in this form: www.tinyurl.com/registeracres 

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