For South Dakota Schools

Meet South Dakota’s character development requirement with GRiT.

South Dakota requires character development instruction in all elementary and secondary schools by default. GRiT delivers it — through practice, not worksheets.

Book a discovery callSee how GRiT aligns →
The requirement

What South Dakota requires

SDCL 13-33-6.1 — Character development instruction
Read the statute (SDCL 13-33-6.1) →

South Dakota law provides that character development instruction “shall be given” in all public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools, emphasizing a list of named values. A school’s governing body may, by resolution, elect not to provide it for no less than one and no more than four school terms.

That default-on structure means character development is the expectation statewide. GRiT delivers the named values as a sequenced, measurable program for K–12.

Values named in the statute
CitizenshipPatriotismHonestySelf-disciplineSelf-respectRegard for the elderlyRespect for authority
How GRiT delivers it

South Dakota’s values, taught through GRiT

Respect, caring & citizenship
GRiT's relational intelligence core teaches students to read people, communicate with clarity, and repair conflict — respect and citizenship practiced, not just posted.
Self-control & responsibility
Brain-based tools teach students to recognize and regulate the stress response in real time — the foundation of self-control and accountability.
Perseverance & diligence
Real habit rewiring turns intentions into repeatable action, so grit and follow-through are built through practice.
Honesty, fairness & good character
Identity and self-leadership work anchors students in values and intrinsic motivation, the root of durable character.
See the full GRiT framework →
Why South Dakota schools choose GRiT

Built for the requirement, not bolted on

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Neuroscience-based

Not a feelings worksheet. GRiT teaches how the brain and stress response work, as tools students actually use.

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Measured in real time

GRiT Compass shows growth across five dynamics, so South Dakota leaders can report impact, not just activity.

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Live in under a week

Grade-banded for K–12 through college, with a light weekly footprint that fits the school day.

Since using GRiT

Measurable shifts in weeks

+0%
Growth mindset
+0%
Relational intelligence
+0%
Attendance
~0%
Fewer disciplinary referrals
Questions

Frequently asked questions

Does South Dakota require character education?

Yes, by default. SDCL 13-33-6.1 provides that character development instruction shall be given in all public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools, unless the governing body elects by resolution not to provide it for one to four school terms.

What values does South Dakota's statute name?

Citizenship, patriotism, honesty, self-discipline, self-respect, regard for the elderly, and respect for authority, among others.

Does GRiT meet South Dakota's requirement?

Yes. GRiT delivers the named values through a neuroscience-based, practice-first curriculum for K–12, and measures growth with GRiT Compass.

Bring GRiT to your South Dakota district

Meet SDCL 13-33-6.1 with a program that’s live in under a week — and shows the growth.

→ Book a discovery call

This is a plain-language summary of SDCL 13-33-6.1 as of 2026, provided for general information and not as legal advice. Instruction is required by default, with a local opt-out available by resolution. Statutes change; always confirm current requirements with your district and the South Dakota Department of Education.