Welcome
Developmental Education Faculty:
The WaÅ‹kátakiya Ećél WóuÅ‹spe [“getting started on the way upward in an educational setting”]
Department was created from the need to better support and prepare first-time students. College readiness is about building Math, Writing, and Reading skills needed for college academic courses. This effort is supported by the Cultivating Native Student Success grant. The goal of the grant is to “provide TCUs the opportunity to examine their current approaches and design long-term strategies that. . .promote transformative and systemic changes that impacts Native student success” (CNSS Grant, 2023).
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The Developmental Education department offers three non-credit courses, R&W 093 Reading and Writing, MA 093 Math is Universal, and CS 083 College Success. These non-credit courses focus on skill development, personal enrichment, and career readiness. While they do not apply toward a degree or qualify for financial aid, they are designed as co-requisites to provide essential support alongside gateway English and math courses.
Developmental Education Chair
Holly Boomer​
605-856-8159 holly.boomer@sintegleska.edu
Holly Boomer
Department Chair
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Direct Line 856-8159 ​Ext 8404
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Ph.D., English, University of
NE-Lincoln
Mission Statement, Vision, & Goals:
Program Mission
Honoring Lakota heritage, WaÅ‹kátakiya Ećél WóuÅ‹spe empowers learners to build strong academic foundations, embrace lifelong learning, and uplift their communities for generations to come.
Program Vision
To cultivate confident, capable learners grounded in cultural wisdom, prepared to thrive academically and to lead with purpose in their communities and beyond.
Placement Process
Role and Purpose of the Placement Process – The placement process at SGU serves to: Identify individual academic strengths and areas for support Ensure that students are placed in the most appropriate course levels for their success Honor the student’s lived experiences, community knowledge, and readiness to learn Assessment and Placement Process Students entering 100-level or credit-bearing general education courses will be required to complete the following placement assessments.
Writing & Math Assessment
Writing assessment: A prospective student will need to complete a proctored writing sample. Students will have a choice of writing prompts and will need to handwrite a 1-2 page essay. Math assessment: A prospective student will need to complete a proctored math test. There will be a variety of math concepts on this placement test to determine a student's skills. In keeping with our commitment to holistic support, all placement decisions aim to uplift and prepare students for academic success without shame or discouragement.
