Besides training more teachers the South Dakota Board of Regents wants to improve education for future administrators.

University of South Dakota President James W. Abbott says it will involve most of the universities in the state.

"Suffice it to say it is a collaboration between all the public universities, with the exception of Mines, which doesn't have an education program, to really create a program specifically for principals," said Abbott.

Abbott says they are finding that better trained principals will lead to better teaching.

"That's a key managerial area. And it's important," added Abbott. "They have certain educational needs and I think the universities will tell you that this will strengthen our masters programs in that area."

The program will begin next summer and the degree would be delivered through a mix of face-to-face coursework, online instruction and field-based learning experiences. Participating universities expect and initial enrollment of 20-25 students.

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