Welcome to AIM PathwaysTM
Training for South Dakota
In an effort to improve student outcomes in reading and to assist schools in developing a systemic, evidence-based approach to support literacy, the Department of Education (DOE) is offering AIM Pathways for South Dakota educators to be trained in the science of reading. Participants will study effective classroom instructions to benefit all students.
These are online training opportunities offering a variety of options depending on your grade level and content area. AIM also offers an accelerated or full-year course so that teachers have flexibility in the length of time they commit to the course. These opportunities are offered FREE of charge, thanks to funding available to DOE through the American Rescue Plan.
The Department of Education is now registering FREE professional learning opportunities for educators beginning Fall 2024.
Please identify your role using the buttons below to find training that fits your schedule.
Questions: Patti Lager, Program Specialist, South Dakota Department of Education, Patti.Lager@state.sd.us
About AIM Pathways Training
The AIM Institute supports literacy training by offering professional learning experiences for Pre K-12 educators, district and school administrators, paraprofessionals, and specialists. AIM Pathways comprehensive courses help educators gain knowledge and acquire tools to put the science of reading to work in their classrooms and schools.
Defining Advantages:
- Created by educators for educators in collaboration with top literacy instruction researchers
- Builds background knowledge with learning that is program and curriculum agnostic
- Offers asynchronous online learning with real-time Virtual Community of Practice coaching sessions with expert AIM facilitators focused on classroom application
- IDA-Accredited courses can be completed in one school year.
- South Dakota Educators successfully completing AIM Pathways coursework and attending Virtual Community of Practice sessions will qualify to receive graduate credits through Dakota State University.
Find Your AIM Pathway
Click the button that applies to you to learn more about course schedules.
Watch an Informational Webinar
Graduate Credit for Pathways Coursework
South Dakota Educators successfully completing the AIM Pathways coursework (listed below) and attending Virtual Community of Practice sessions will qualify to receive graduate credits at the reduced rate through Dakota State University. The link for graduate credit for Summer 2024 and Fall 2024 cohorts will be provided to participants in mid-November.
Pathways to Proficient Reading participants may receive 55 hours for CEUs and three graduate credit hours at DSU. Individuals are responsible for personally covering graduate credit costs.
Grades will be determined as follows:
- 70% - course grade in the AIM Pathways platform
- 15% - participation in community of practice meetings
- 15% - score on post-course knowledge inventory
Pathways to Literacy Leadership and Pathways to Proficient Writing participants may receive 30 hours for CEUs and two graduate credit hours at DSU. Individuals are responsible for personally covering graduate credit costs.Grades will be determined as follows:
- 70% - course grade in the AIM Pathways platform
- 15% - participation in community of practice meetings
- 15% - score on post-course knowledge inventory
Those who have registered for graduate credit by the deadline set by DSU will have graduate credit issued following spring semester 2025. The individual is responsible for covering that cost.
Dakota State University Contact: Katie Anderson katie.anderson@dsu.edu.