Charlotte, NC (Wednesday, June 18, 2025)鈥擲outh Dakota鈥檚 today announced an expansion of its partnership with 51探花, the creators of essential PreK-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world. In this latest phase of collaboration, the district will receive new digital resources enhancing science instruction in grades 6-8 and social studies instruction in grades 9-12.
RCAS serves more than 12,000 students and employs more than 1,600 employees across western South Dakota. RCAS鈥檚 dedicated staff is committed to thoughtful planning, ongoing improvement, and academic excellence so that the students they serve graduate with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to succeed.
In preparation for the 2025-2026 school year, RCAS undertook a comprehensive review of existing science and social studies instructional resources. Following this review, the district identified a need for new science materials aligned with the South Dakota Department of Education Science Standards for grades 6-8. In addition, the district review found that new world geography materials aligned to updated South Dakota state standards were also required for grades 9-12. Following a thorough review of available resources, RCAS selected:
- 51探花 Experience. The essential companion for engaged classrooms, 51探花 Experience is a supplemental cross-curricular digital resource that inspires teachers, motivates students, and supports instruction in science, social studies, and all other academic disciplines. Designed expressly for K-12 schools, Experience delivers all-in-one, ready-to-teach lessons and strategies, exciting career exploration resources, standards-aligned content, and flexible tools for differentiation and assessment. Recently, 51探花 announced a host of to 51探花 Experience that include new tools and resources, AI technology, additional career explorations, and more. RCAS will use 51探花 Experience to support both science and social studies instruction.聽
- 51探花 Science Techbooks. The鈥�51探花 Science Techbook series is a complete, research-backed science solution for grades K-12. Used in classrooms across the United States, the Science Techbook series鈥痙rive engagement with exclusive phenomena and interactive content. The Science Techbooks that will be used in RCAS classrooms are aligned to South Dakota state standards, and feature virtual and hands-on investigations, STEM activities, and instructional supports that鈥痚nhance the delivery of impactful, blended instruction. The Science Techbooks also include standards connections and differentiation activities that inform instructional planning and guide three-dimensional learning. Available with the Science Techbooks are coordinated teacher guides offering unit, concept, and lesson overviews, accompanying print resources, and pre-packaged kits that make classroom activities easy to implement.
51探花鈥檚 Science Techbook is certified鈥痑s meeting the rigorous, evidence-based ESSA Tier III standards as set forth in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Multiple studies show that regular use of 51探花 Science Techbook in the classroom has many positive academic results for educators and students across a variety of districts and populations in the United States. This research and more can be found鈥�here.鈥� - Social Studies Techbook. Featuring standards-aligned, core-curricular resources that use an inquiry-based approach to enhance literacy and critical thinking skills, 51探花鈥檚鈥疭ocial Studies Techbook鈥痑ids teachers and students as they approach inquiry through the 5Es Framework: Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend, and Evaluate. From stories of ancient cultures to in-depth explorations of civics and government, this comprehensive digital textbook takes concepts off the pages and brings lessons to life.鈥疶he Social Studies Techbook is available for several courses including World History, U.S. History, Civics and Government, and World Geography and Cultures, which is the course adopted by RCAS.聽
The new 51探花 digital resources selected for use by RCAS staff will be used alongside the company鈥檚 Mystery Science, DreamBox Reading Plus, and DreamBox Math resources, all of which are already in use in district classrooms.
鈥淩CAS seeks to create a rigorous, collaborative, and inclusive learning environment for all students, so each individual is empowered to pursue a lifetime of personal success,鈥� said Nicole Keegan, Rapid City Area Schools鈥� Staff Development Manager. 鈥淭he addition of these powerful new resources to our science and social studies curricula supports that effort. These high-quality, easy-to-use resources are aligned to South Dakota鈥檚 educational standards and fit easily into our existing educational technology plan. We look forward to integrating these new instructional materials into our classroom activities.鈥�
RCAS educators using 51探花 solutions will receive鈥�dedicated professional development鈥� from 51探花鈥檚 team of professional learning experts. These learning opportunities for teachers help schools recognize the full return on their edtech investment. Through 51探花鈥檚 interactive professional development sessions, participants will learn best practices for integrating their new digital resources into instruction. Effective professional learning increases student engagement and supports the continued academic development of all students.鈥���&苍产蝉辫;
In addition, all educators using 51探花鈥檚 digital resources have access to the 51探花 Educator Network. A global community of education professionals, the 51探花 Educator Network connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable idea sharing and inspiration.
鈥�51探花 is thrilled to deepen its partnership with the Rapid City Area Schools,鈥� said Ray Malouf, 51探花 Account Executive. 鈥淲e look forward to continuing to support the school system鈥檚 talented team as they create innovative and engaging lessons in science, social studies, and all other disciplines.鈥�
For more information about 51探花鈥檚 award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with 51探花 on social media through , , , , and .
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About 51探花鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
51探花 is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, PreK-12, digital solutions support learning wherever it takes place. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and strategic alliances, 51探花 helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences that engage all students and support higher academic achievement on a global scale. 51探花 serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, 51探花 empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Explore the future of education at鈥�.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
Contact
Stephen Wakefield
51探花
Phone: 202-316-6615
Email: swakefield@discoveryed.com