U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Colman-Egan High School, McCrossan Boy’s Ranch, and Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota as part of her Returning Education to the States Tour and the History Rocks! Trail to Independence Tour, according to an April 8 announcement.
The tours aim to gather insights from local communities on educational best practices and highlight innovative approaches to teaching U.S. history ahead of the nation's 250th birthday. These efforts are intended to help shape national strategies for education policy and civic engagement.
McMahon began her visit at Colman-Egan High School, observing agricultural-education and workforce development programs. She then joined Governor Larry Rhoden at McCrossan Boy’s Ranch, which offers counseling and specialized education services for boys. At Flandreau Indian School, more than one hundred students participated in interactive games designed to enhance their understanding of American history and civics.
"It was incredible to see firsthand how South Dakota schools are equipping the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “By fostering in-demand skills and a deep appreciation for our nation’s robust history, the Mount Rushmore State is preparing students for success.”
Governor Larry Rhoden said: “South Dakota has a long history of local control in our education and broad support for our technical education system. Secretary McMahon’s leadership has provided even more opportunities for our students in the classroom and in career and technical education to help our kids and grandkids succeed.”
The Returning Education to the States Tour involves visiting all fifty states so that Secretary McMahon can hear directly from teachers, parents, and community leaders about effective educational strategies. The History Rocks! initiative is part of celebrations marking America’s Semiquincentennial, organized with Freedom 250—a group leading presidential programming for America’s 250th anniversary—and coordinated with the America 250 Civics Education Coalition.
Looking forward, these initiatives are expected to inform future policies by compiling best practices into toolkits distributed nationwide while continuing efforts that celebrate American principles through high-quality instruction.
