The accreditation process involves both verifying and recognizing that South Dakota schools have met established minimum standards. The South Dakota Board of Education sets administrative rules under which schools are accredited. Schools are also subject to laws, generally found in South Dakota Codified Law Title 13, adopted by the state Legislature.
Accreditation is a required process for all public school districts in South Dakota.
Schools are currently evaluated annually to determine they have met legal requirements for the school calendar, courses offered, and certified staff. Initial certification requires verification from an accredited institution that the candidate has met the standards of an approved program and can be recommended for certification. Rules set by the South Dakota Board of Education and applicable statutes provide the framework for issuing and renewing certificates. Some authorizations are issued after completing approved programs, generally at the major level, and others are issued after a transcript analysis verifies completion of minimum requirements for authorizations outside a major. State rules require that educators take specific coursework in human relations and South Dakota Indian studies.