Oglala Lakota College | Academics | Education Skip to content View Site Map Education The education program at OLC gives students the skills to become qualified, motivated teachers and teach Lakota virtues. Current Students Degree Programs / Areas of Study Education The Education program at OLC aims to graduate highly qualified, professional, motivated, and reflective teachers who possess, teach, and practice Wolakolkiciyapi in a multicultural, changing world. The professional teacher education program views Wolakolkiciyapi as reflection and conduct of the Lakota Virtues as a means of improving yourself and others. Graduates from our programs will be proficient as competent, reflective teachers of content, theory, and application with an emphasis on  Lakota virtues (character education) while emphasizing community empowerment through reflection of traditional Lakota perspectives. Oglala Lakota College is proud to be the leading producer of Native American teachers in South Dakota. Our program is nationally recognized as a top Native American degree producer of associate and bachelor degrees in early childhood and elementary education. We consistently rank in the top 20 of all colleges and universities in the US who offer teaching degrees. A.A. Early Childhood Education An Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education gives you the skills and experience needed to pursue a variety of different paths. This degree prepares you to work as paraprofessionals with infants and young children from birth to 5 years of age in early childhood and preschool settings. This degree tracks into the B.A. in Early Childhood degree. Program 1 Learning Outcomes (P1LO) – Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education P1.LO1: Candidates demonstrate Lakota cultural values in all learning contexts. P1.LO2: Candidates recognize the diverse influences impacting the development and learning of young children and effectively utilize strategies to enhance the learning potential of all children. P1.LO3: Candidates recognize the importance co-curricular activities involving respectful family and community relationships to enhance the learning potential of young children. P1.LO4: Candidates will engage in reflective activities to gain an understanding of developmentally appropriate practices in educating young children. B.A. Early Childhood Education This degree was developed based on the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) initial licensure standards for teacher preparation programs. This degree has two emphasis options: 1) Birth to Preschool, to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education as required by Head Start and 2) Birth to Grade 3, to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education and South Dakota Department of Education teacher licensure. Candidates pursuing this option must pass the required Praxis Series content and pedagogy area exams to be eligible for graduation and state licensure. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree must meet the entrance requirements of the Teacher Preparation Program Program 2 Learning Outcomes (P2LO) – Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education P2.LO1: Candidates demonstrate Lakota cultural values in all learning contexts. P2.LO2: Candidates recognize the diverse influences impacting the development and learning of young children and effectively utilize strategies to enhance the learning potential of all children. P2.LO3: Candidates demonstrate proficiency integrating solid content knowledge and sound pedagogical understandings to design and implement academic and co-curricular experiences that include families and communities to promote positive development and learning for young children. P2.LO4.1: Candidates demonstrate understanding of the goals, benefits, and uses of effective assessment strategies to positively impact the learning and development of young children. P2.LO4.2: Candidates engage in continuous, reflective learning, following ethical guidelines to make informed decisions to advocate for young children and their families. A.A. Elementary Education This degree prepares individuals to work as paraprofessionals in K-12 educational settings. This degree tracks into the B.S. in K-8 Elementary Education. Program 3 Learning Outcomes (P3LO) – Associate of Arts Degree in Elementary Education P3.LO1: Candidates demonstrate Lakota cultural values in all learning contexts. P3.LO2: Candidates utilize developmental concepts and theories to construct learning opportunities that support the individualities of children and young adolescents. P3.LO3: Candidates demonstrate proficiency in content area concepts when planning academic and co-curricular learning activities, projects, and explorations for students, families and communities that augment learning experiences. P3.LO4: Candidates engage in reflective practices to develop an understanding of best practices for teaching and learning. B.S. K-8 Elementary Education Successful completion of this degree prepares the student to teach grades K-8 with Middle Level endorsements in the state of South Dakota. This program is aligned to the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) Elementary Teacher Preparation Standards for initial teacher licensure. Candidates need to meet entrance requirements and pass the required Praxis Series exam to be admitted to the Teacher Preparation Program. Candidates also need a passing score on the required Praxis Series pedagogy examination prior to student teaching and to meet graduation and licensure requirements. Program 4 Learning Outcomes (P4LO) – Bachelor of Science Degree in K-8 Elementary Education P4.LO1: Candidates demonstrate Lakota cultural values in all learning contexts. P4.LO2: Candidates utilize developmental concepts and theories to construct learning opportunities that support the individualities of children and young adolescents. P4.LO3.1: Candidates demonstrate proficiency in content area concepts when planning academic and co-curricular learning activities, projects, and explorations for students, families and communities that augment learning experiences. P4.LO3.2: Candidates develop and implement instructional units that demonstrate sound pedagogical practices to foster active engagement in learning, critical thinking, and problem solving for K-8 students. P4.LO4.1: Candidates utilize formal and informal assessment strategies to monitor and plan for instruction that will promote continuous growth and learning for K-8 students. P4.LO4.2: Candidates engage in continual reflective practices connecting educational research and the impact of their professional decisions on students and families. B.S. 7-12 Secondary Physical Science This degree, offered in conjunction with the Mathematics and Science Department, leads to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education. Students are offered a strong background in Mathematics, Physics, Earth Science, and Chemistry. This program is aligned with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Science Standards for Teacher Preparation. Candidates need to meet entrance requirements and pass the SD DOE required content knowledge credit hours or Praxis Series content exams relevant to this degree to be admitted to the Teacher Preparation Program. Candidates also need to pass the required Praxis Series pedagogy exam prior to student teaching and to meet graduation and licensure requirements. Program 6 Learning Outcomes (P6LO) – Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Science Secondary Education P6.LO1: Candidates demonstrate Lakota cultural values in all learning contexts. P6.LO2: Candidates develop learning activities and explorations that convey the important concepts, ideas and principles of contemporary science to secondary students. P6.LO3: Candidates engage a variety of strategies and methodologies when developing instructional units that engage students in scientific and technological processes while maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. P6.LO4.1: Candidates develop effective assessment strategies and utilize the results to guide and modify instruction. P6.LO4.2: Candidates demonstrate ethical practices as they involve students in scientific studies related to locally important issues and effectively collaborate with community agencies in co- curricular scientific explorations. B.S. K-12 Lakota Studies Education This degree, in cooperation with the Lakota Studies Department, gives graduates the South Dakota Indian Studies credential which allows them to teach Lakota Studies and related subjects in K-12 Education. This program is aligned with the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards adopted by the South Dakota Board of Education as the South Dakota Teacher Competencies. Candidates need to meet entrance requirements and pass the required Praxis Series exam to be admitted to the Teacher Preparation Program. Candidates also need to pass the required Praxis Series pedagogy exam prior to student teaching and to meet graduation and licensure requirements. Program 5 Learning Outcomes (P5LO) – Bachelor of Science Degree in K-12 Lakota Studies Education P5.LO1: Candidates demonstrate Lakota cultural values in all learning contexts, and demonstrate proficiency in the acquisition, understanding, and use of the Lakota language. P5.LO2: Candidates utilize developmental concepts and theories to construct learning opportunities that support the individualities of K-12 students. P5.LO3: Candidates exercise their understanding of Lakota history, culture, and psychology combined with sound pedagogical practices when developing and implementing instructional units in order to engage and motivate K-12 Lakota students, and their families and communities, in academic and co-curricular activities. P5.LO4.1: Candidates utilize culturally relevant authentic assessments to evaluate student learning and achievement. P5.LO4.2: Candidates engage in continual reflective practice to connect culture, language, and content in meaningful ways to develop cultural competence. B.S. K-12 Special Education Preparation This preparation program leads to an endorsement in K-12 Special Education that may be added to a professional or advanced South Dakota educator certificate. Coursework is offered for both undergraduate teacher candidates and certified teachers. The program is aligned to the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) performance- based standards for initial special education teacher licensure. Candidates complete required coursework, complete a special education practicum and, if working towards alternative certification, must pass the Praxis Series special education exam required for licensure. Program 7 Learning Outcomes (P7LO) – Exceptional Education Preparation Program K-12 P7.LO1: Candidates demonstrate Lakota cultural values in all learning contexts. P7.LO2.1: Candidates demonstrate understanding of special education principles, theories, laws and policies conjoin with diverse human issues to impact the delivery of special education services. P7.LO2.2: Candidates distinguish the similarities and difference in human development and the characteristics of K-12 students with special learning needs in order to provide individualized instruction that is meaningful for the student. P7.LO3: Candidates utilize evidence-based instructional strategies to modify learning environments and curricula to enhance learning experiences, promote positive self-esteem, build life skills, and engage students in critical thinking and problem-solving activities. P7.LO4.1: Candidates develop long-range individualized education plans that are translated into shorter-range goals and objectives based on an individual’s abilities and needs, and modified based on assessment of the individual’s learning progress. P7.LO4.2: Candidates demonstrate ethical practices and effectively collaborate in co-curricular activities with families, other educators, related service providers, and community agencies to advocate for the learning and well-being of individuals with special educational needs. Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring SpCm 103 Humanities ED 213 ECH 223 Lit 203 ED 463 EDECH 413 EDECH 433 ECH 496 or EDLK 489 Engl 103 Engl 113 ECH 203 ECH 233 ECH 323 ECH 413 EDECH 402 EDECH 453 MIS 113 Psy 103 ED 303E ECH 253 ECH 363 ECH 423 EDECH 423 ECH/ED/EDECh Elective Math 103/134 Bio 103/113 ECH 213 ExEd 313 ECH 383 ECH 403 EDECH 462 ED 483 (opt) LSoc 103 Lak 103 Lak 233 or Lak Elective ECH 243 Lak 233 or Lak Elective ED 443 (PD Option) Lakota Elective EDLK 476 Application to BA Program Complete AA Degree Application to Student Tchg of Practicum Complete BA Degree Download BA in Early Childhood Education Plan of Study Bachelor of Science Degree in K-8 Elementary Education with Middle Level Bachelor of Science Degree in K-8 Elementary Education with Middle Level Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring SpCm 103 Humanities ED 213 Elective Lit 203 ED 463 (opt) EDECH 413 EDECH 433 EDLK 489 Engl 103 Engl 113 Sci 204 Sci 214 ED 303 ED 313 EDECH 402 EDECH 453 MIS 113 Psy 103 Math 234 Math 244 ED 303E ED 323 EDECH 423 ED 443 Math 103/134 Bio 103/113 Pols 203 Geo 213 HISA 363 ECH 443 EDECH 462 ED 483 (opt) LSoc 103 or Lak Elective Lak 103 Lak 233 ExEd 313 ED 283 Lsoc 103 or Lak Elective Lakota Elective EDLK 473 Application to AA Program Complete AA Degree Application to Student Tchg of Practicum Complete BA Degree Download BS in K-8 Elementary Education with Middle Level Plan of Study Bachelor of Science Degree in K-12 Lakota Studies Education Bachelor of Science Degree in K-12 Lakota Studies Education Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring SpCm 103 Engl 113 Bio 103/113 Lak 313 LSoc 313 ExEd 313 ED 303E ED 313 EDLK 489 Engl 103 Math 103/134 Lit 203 LLit 103 LLit 213 Lak 283 Ed 283 EDECH 453 ScEd 443 MIS 113 Psy 103 Pols 203 Geo 213 HISA 363 LPol 223 LKED 433 ED 483 (opt) Lak 103 Lak 233 Lak 323 Lak 423 ED 213 LPsy 323 ED 463 (opt) ED 443 Application to Program Application to Student Teaching Download BS in K-12 Lakota Studies Education Plan of Study Bachelor of Science Degree in 7-12 Physical Science Education Bachelor of Science Degree in 7-12 Physical Science Education Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring SpCm 103 Engl 113 BIO 103 or Higher BIO 153 and 151 BIO 223 NSci 443 Humanities Elective ED 313 ScEd 403 EDLK 489 Engl 103 LSoc 103 Lit 203 Phys 113 Phys 214 Phys 223 and 221 ED 303E ED 323 ScEd 413 EDLK 473 MIS 113 Psy 103 Chem 233 and 231 Chem 243 and 241 Chem 253 and 251 Chem 263 and 261 ED 283 ED 483 (opt) ScEd 443 Lak 103 Lak 223 Geol 143 Geo 153 Chem 323 Phys 253 Phys 434 Lakota Elective Lakota Elective Math 103 Math 134 Math 154 Math 163 Math 194 ExEd 313 ED 463 (opt) Application to Program Application to Student Teaching Download BS in 7-12 Physical Science Education Plan of Study 2025 - 2026 Status Sheets 2024 - 2025 Status Sheets 2023 - 2024 Status Sheets 2022 - 2023 Status Sheets 2021 - 2022 Status Sheets 2020 - 2021 Status Sheets 2019 - 2020 Status Sheets 2018 - 2019 Status Sheets 2017 - 2018 Status Sheets 2016 - 2017 Status Sheets 2015 - 2016 Status Sheets American Horse School Badlands Head Start Bennett County School District Cheyenne Eagle Butte Schools Crazy Horse School Crow Creek Dupree School District Kadoka Area School Lakota Waldorf School Little Eagle Grant School Little Wound School Loneman School Lower Brule School Marty Indian School Oglala Lakota County Schools OLC Headstart/Early Headstart Oelrichs Public School Our Lady of Lourdes Pine Ridge Girls' School Pine Ridge School Pahin Sinte Owayawa Rapid City Area Schools Mahpiya Luta Owayawa Rock Creek School Sacred Heart Center St. Joseph's Indian School Takini School Timber Lake School Tiospa Topa School Windswept Academy Wounded Knee District South Dakota Department of Education Accreditation OLC Educator Preparation Program Self-Study Report 2019 OLC K-8 Elementary Education Program Report 2019 SD DOE Elementary Education Recognition Report 2019 OLC Birth-Grade 3 Early Childhood Education Report 2019 SD DOE Early Childhood Education Recognition Report 2019 South Dakota Board of Education Minutes January 27, 2020 SD DOE Educator Preparation Providers Assessment Department Assessment Handbook Department Assessment Schedule Retention Plan Department Minutes Annual Reports 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 Title II Reports The Title II Reports provide public information concerning the quality of teacher preparation programs, including program completers and Praxis licensure exam pass rates. Title II Website 2010 Title II AY 2008-2009 2011 Title II AY 2009-2010 2012 Title II AY 2010-2011 2013 Title II AY 2011-2012 2014 Title II AY 2012-2013 2015 Title II AY 2013-2014 2016 Title II AY 2014-2015 2017 Title II AY 2015-2016 2018 Title II AY 2016-2017 2019 Title II AY 2017-2018 2020 Title II AY 2018-2019 2021 Title II AY 2019-2020 2022 Title II AY 2020-2021 2023 Title II AY 2021-2022 2024 Title II AY 2022-2023 2025 Title II AY 2023-2024 2026 Title II AY 2024-2025 Institutional Effectiveness Plans AY 2012-2013 Strategic Plan AY 2012-2018 Strategic Plan (revised 05/08/14) 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 2025-2026 Institutional Effectiveness Reports 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 Assessment Plans Assessment Plan (May 2014) Co-Curricular Activities Ed Dept Co-Curricular Reports Course Level Assessment Common Course Assessment Rubrics Common Course Assessment Worksheets Course Specific Revised Rubrics Ed Dept Course Assessment Schedule Course Level SLO Assessment Reports Program Learning Outcomes Ed Dept Program Learning Outcomes Program Learning Outcome Rubrics Alignment of Unit Goals, PLO, and SLO to National Teacher Preparation Standards Academic Program Review Education Department Self-Study AY 2021-2022 Education Department Academic Program Review Report May 2022 Resources Apply Now Course Listings Course Descriptions Meet The Faculty Documents Department Handbook South Dakota Dept. of Education