The Department of Education publishes the South Dakota Sturdy curriculum.

SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dakota News Now) – Education Secretary Joseph Graves said students have less control over their own lives, are apathetic and less willing to face difficult challenges or adversity.

While he noted it's a nationwide trend, he also said it's impacting South Dakota students and needs to change.

The Department of Education publishes “South Dakota Sturdy,” a series of 10 lessons for counselors and teachers. The material is aimed at students in fourth to sixth grade.

“There is a trend in our society to move away from the idea that we are active people and responsible for our own lives. That we are the hero in our own play and tend to have a victim mentality. One in which we are reacted to. So we’re seeing more and more kids struggling with this,” Graves said.

Graves said they've heard from school teachers, counselors, parents and even Gov. Kristi Noem that students don't take responsibility seriously and are passive.

“We have to reclaim the American idea and the South Dakota idea that we are not a weak ship, that we are resilient,” Graves said.

Graves said the 10 lessons focus on historical figures, animals and the Corn Palace, as well as the values ​​that can help students in their own lives.

While it focuses primarily on counseling standards, he says the lessons could also be used in the classroom.

“It draws on the counseling standards, but it also draws on the English language arts standards because there is a lot of reading involved. It also falls back on social science standards because it affects these individuals from South Dakota,” Graves said.

In a news release, Noem supported the lessons, saying they were necessary to help South Dakota students grow up.

“Our children need these examples to develop the essential skills to succeed not only in the classroom but in life, especially through their own efforts,” Noem said. “My favorite president, Teddy Roosevelt, struggled to overcome obstacles both as a child and as an adult. This program not only showcases his determination to overcome, but also highlights nine other prime examples of resilience. These lessons provide insight into each of them’s courage and initiative to live purposeful and fulfilling lives.”

Graves said the goals associated with this push are difficult to quantify, but they see it as more responsibility than outcome.

“The answer shouldn't be, 'My dog ​​ate it,' or 'I didn't make it,' or 'I was too busy.'” The answer should be, “You know what? I didn't do it and it was my fault and I'll do better.' That’s a strong reaction,” Graves said.

It is important to note that these lessons are optional and educators and school districts are not required to implement them in the classroom. According to Graves, they strongly recommend using the lessons learned to achieve these short, medium and long term goals.

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