PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – South Dakota Education Department Secretary Ben Jones appeared before the legislatures Appropriations Committee in Pierre this week. The committee is holding budget hearings ahead of the 2020 legislative session.

Several members questioned current educational standards in light of weak student test scores. Jones says those standards were just revised.

Jones says how the standards are applied is a decision made by each school district.

Jones says despite the stagnant standardized test scores, other indicators are pretty bright.

Legislators will decide on the department’s budget request during the legislative session.