Welcome
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).
This department will offer three non-credit courses, R&W 093 Reading and Writing, MA 093 Math is Universal, and CS 083 College Success. These courses do not award any academic credit towards a degree or certificate program and are not eligible for financial aid. The benefit of these courses is the focus on skills development, personal enrichment, and career preparation. Non-credit courses can be structured differently than credit-bearing courses such as offering the course in various formats (blended or in-person), and offering flexibility in session length such as an accelerated or second start term in a semester.
Education Department 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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M.B.A., American Indian Entrepreneurship, Gonzaga Un
Mission Statement, Vision, & Goals:
Mission Honoring Lakota heritage, Waŋkátakiya Ećél Wóuŋspe empowers learners to build strong academic foundations, embrace lifelong learning, and uplift their communities for generations to come. Vision To cultivate confident, capable learners grounded in cultural wisdom, prepared to thrive academically and to lead with purpose in their communities and beyond. Beginning in the fall 2025 semester, the placement process is designed to help students begin their coursework at a level that fosters success, confidence, and growth in foundational skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics.
Accreditation Statement
Sinte Gleska University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1983, making SGU the first tribally chartered college in the nation to become accredited at both the associate and baccalaureate levels. All SGU Education Programs are aligned with the following: State of South Dakota Standards (ARSD) National Specialty Professional Association (SPA) Standards Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Interstate New Teachers Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) Competencies To ensure quality programs, the Education Department is reviewed by state and national accrediting agencies. Sinte Gleska University’s Education Department is accredited by: South Dakota Department of Education (SDDOE), Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA, College Level) South Dakota Department of Education Accreditation Statement: Sinte Gleska University’s Educator Preparation Program (EPP) was fully accredited for seven years through the South Dakota Department of Education following an on-site review in October 2018. This is the link for the complete report: https://doe.sd.gov/oatq/teacheredprograms.aspx
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.
