This student-centered approach is key to student growth in the language arts. Because social and cultural contexts shape linguistic patterns, meanings and language uses, it is critical that teachers determine and build on students' prior knowledge. Students construct new knowledge by making connections between what they already know and what they gain from new language experiences. It is imperative that teachers regularly assess what students know and do not know about given topics and processes and adjust instruction accordingly. In addition, Lakota language and literature, as well as the language and literature from other world cultures, should be a regular part of the language arts program K-12.
Technology is an important tool for retrieving and producing information.
As such, it should be used regularly in all Todd County classrooms to enhance language arts learning. Listening skills and respectful behavior toward others are inseparable. Teachers, parents and community members should be reminded, on a regular basis, that teaching students appropriate listening skills and respectful behavior are important goals in Todd County and that students naturally model the behavior of adults. Therefore, we ALL have a responsibility to listen appropriately and respectfully in our interactions with each other. Becoming self-directed learners is one of Todd County's broad outcomes for students.