Alternative instruction notification responsibilities. This is a reminder of the alternative instruction notification process as outlined in SDCL 13-27-7. The department’s Division of Accreditation and Certification has a new tutorial available for individuals in the public school district who assist with this process.  

• Parents and guardians must file an initial alternative instruction notification for their student when they begin alternative instruction.  

• Additional notifications are not required unless a transition occurs, as defined by the statute.  

• Parents and guardians are encouraged to submit their notifications through the state’s online notification system. However, a paper copy of the notification also may be submitted to either the Department of Education or the school district.  

  • Individuals submitting paper notifications must utilize the form provided by DOE. 

• If a paper copy is submitted to the district, the district is responsible for supplying the parent/guardian with a signed copy and also forwarding a signed copy to DOE. 

• Access to the online notification system, paper form, and an Alternative Instruction FAQ is available on our website.