Snowflakes not welcome: New curriculum to teach students to be ‘South Dakota Sturdy’

South Dakota is ensuring it doesn’t contribute to the so-called “snowflake generation” by promoting grit and responsibility to its public school students.

The state’s Department of Education released “South Dakota Sturdy” on Monday – a free curriculum for elementary and middle school counselors, English and social studies teachers.

The resource is an answer to the troubling trend of young people who blame others for their woes instead of taking responsibility and showing fortitude.

“It’s a trend in our society to move away from the notion that we are active people, that we’re responsible for our own lives, that we are the hero in our own play,” observed Secretary of Education Joseph Graves. “[We’re moving] towards more of a victim mentality.

“The answer shouldn’t be, ‘My dog ate it’ or, ‘I didn’t get it done,’ or ‘I was too busy.’ The answer should be, ‘You know what? I didn’t, and it was my fault and I’ll do better.’ That’s a sturdy response.” 

The curriculum features 10 lessons of grit, responsibility, initiative and goal setting. Each lesson centers on a historical figure or feature related to South Dakota, including:  

• Theodore Roosevelt, a famously active president despite his severe asthma and poor eyesight. Roosevelt once refused to pause a campaign speech even after being shot in an assassination attempt. 

• Billy Mills, a half-Lakota orphan who joined the Marine Corps and in 1964 became the first (and currently only) American to win an Olympic gold medal in the 10,000-meter race. 

• Joe Ross, who became the head of his household as a teenager, carried his family through the Great Depression, and was given a Congressional Medal of Honor for his service as a pilot during World War II. 

• Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the beloved Little House on the Prairie book series. 

• L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. 

• And Crazy Horse, a legendary Lakota warrior of the 19th century who played a role in defeating General Custer at Little Bighorn. 

Each lesson comes with a short reading and a supplemental activity. 

“Our children need these examples to build the essential skills to succeed not only in the classroom but in life,” said South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem. “These lessons provide insight into the grit and initiative of each [historical figure] to live a purposeful and accomplished life.”