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Kendall Bergrud, a mathematics teacher at Wachter Middle School in Bismarck, is North Dakota’s Teacher of the Year for 2025, state School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and Gov. Doug Burgum said in a joint announcement Friday.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Thursday that North Dakota high school students’ 2024 Advanced Placement exam results will save them $2.1 million in college tuition costs. The savings are part of a continuing state program that has saved students $11.5 million in college tuition expenses since 2015.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Wednesday said applications have been reopened for a vacancy on the state Board of Public School Education, which oversees K-12 and career and technical education in the state.

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Monday congratulated schools in Beach, Mandan and Mohall for earning the U.S. Department of Education’s prestigious “Blue Ribbon School” award.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler is asking North Dakotans to review and comment about a new state process for assisting schools whose students have lagged academically for three years or more.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Monday urged North Dakotans to apply for two pending openings on the Board of Higher Education, which is the policymaking and advocacy board for the state’s 11 public colleges and universities.

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said 17 libraries and schools across the state have been awarded $255,000 in grants to help cover costs for local programs that encourage summer reading.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Thursday invited North Dakota high school juniors and seniors to apply to participate in the 2025 U.S. Senate Youth Program, which features a $10,000 college scholarship. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Central time on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Monday invited North Dakotans from eight counties to apply for a seat on the Board of Public School Education, which oversees K-12 and career and technical education in the state.

The following amounts will be used for the 2024-2025 school year to determine the school district's responsibility (cost cap) for educating resident students. 

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Monday announced new members of her Superintendent’s Student Cabinet, a group of 25 students who will offer Baesler their advice and suggestions for improving K-12 education.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said the upcoming North Dakota Indian Education Summit, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, will offer new support for tribal educators and information about strengthening instruction in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said North Dakota’s Department of Public Instruction has become the first state K-12 education agency to earn national accreditation, a distinction that shows its employees’ commitment to serving students and families.

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Monday lauded four North Dakota educators who are finalists for the state’s 2025 Teacher of the Year award.

They are:

• Kendall Bergrud, a mathematics teacher at Wachter Middle School in Bismarck;
• Macie Harris-Nelson, a music teacher at Kenmare Elementary School;
• Ashley Nudell, who teaches family and consumer science at Lisbon High School; and
• Kayla Tatro, who teaches English, math, science, music, and technology at Roosevelt Public School in Carson.

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said new state guidance about artificial intelligence has been designed to help local schools develop their own AI policies, and help teachers and administrators work more efficiently.

Summer break is a great time for kids to choose their own reading material. DPI worked with local children's literature authors to give away books on the state capitol grounds.

Education Commission of the States last week honored North Dakota with the 2024 Frank Newman Award for State Innovation in recognition of its success in spearheading the nation’s first competency-based graduation pathway that provides individualized opportunities for student success. 

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Tuesday announced two appointments to the Board of Public School Education, which is an oversight board for North Dakota K-12 education and career and technical education.

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Wednesday that three finalists have been chosen for Gov. Doug Burgum to consider for a future opening on the state Board of Higher Education.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Monday that 10 North Dakotans have applied for a seat on the state Board of Higher Education that is opening July 1.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Wednesday celebrated 49 North Dakota educators who have been named as County Teachers of the Year, saying they are leaders in their schools and communities.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Wednesday that a deadline for applying for an opening on North Dakota’s Board of Higher Education has been extended to 5 p.m. on Monday, May 6.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said $1 million in grants are available for North Dakota organizations to offer summer programs for K-12 students to learn about artificial intelligence, cybersecurity or STEM, which is short for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Monday praised Melvina Murray, a mathematics teacher at Dakota Elementary School on the Minot Air Force Base, who has been honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Monday asked North Dakotans to apply for an opening on the Board of Higher Education, which is a policymaking and advocacy board for the state’s 11 public colleges and universities.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Wednesday invited North Dakotans from two groups of counties to apply for the state Board of Public School Education, which plays a crucial oversight role for North Dakota’s K-12 education system.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler is asking North Dakota students to apply to serve on her Superintendent’s Student Cabinet, which offers an opportunity for young people to advise her about ways to improve K-12 education.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Wednesday celebrated North Dakota’s new educator development programs, which Gov. Doug Burgum referred to during his State of the State address at Dickinson State University.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Wednesday that INSTEM, a highly successful summer instruction program for Native American students, is being expanded to make all North Dakota Native students in grades six through 12 eligible to apply.

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction was voted "Best Representation of an Agency" in the North Dakota Capitol Showcase of Trees 2023. The display included a gingerbread model of the capitol building, constructed by the Academic Support team.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Tuesday presented the three public schools on the Minot Air Force Base with the Purple Star Award, which recognizes their efforts to assist military families.

DPI's Multicultural and Indian Education team is coordinating an update to the ND Tribal Curriculum textbooks for North Dakota Studies--the first new edition since 2002. Local news outlet Buffalo's Fire stopped by to get the inside scoop on the project's scope and status. 

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler says a possible shutdown of the Dakota Access Pipeline would cause “extensive harm” to the state’s public schools by reducing oil tax revenues that they rely upon.

Buffalo's Fire, a North Dakota news outlet focused on Native issues, visited DPI's office and talked with the director of the Indian & Multicultural team about the work her office does. 

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Wednesday that St. John Elementary School in St. John, N.D., and Mary Stark Elementary in Mandan, N.D., are being honored for exceptional academic achievement and growth during the past two years.

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Tuesday that elementary schools in Wyndmere and Beach have been awarded $15,208 for innovative education projects.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Friday that Lauren Beck, a senior at Bismarck’s Legacy High School, and Oakes High School junior Brianna Schmitz have been chosen as North Dakota’s delegates for the U.S. Senate Youth Program.

The COVID pandemic had many impacts on our children, and one of the most significant was the decrease in their school grades and test scores. One North Dakota school district saw the decline and immediately went to work to reverse the situation. The result? Their English Language Arts (ELA) academic achievement scores went from 26% in the 2020-2021 school year to 48% in the 2022-2023 school year. Their math scores increased from 20% to 32% in the same time frame.  

Sheila Peterson, a physical education teacher and athletics coach at Wachter Middle School in Bismarck, has been named as North Dakota’s 2024 Teacher of the Year, state School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller said in a joint announcement on Thursday.

NDDPI and partners will be hosting several State Board of Public School Education meetings and K12 Education Coordination Meetings through the remainder of the calendar year. 

North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Tuesday praised three North Dakota schools for earning the designation of Blue Ribbon School, an honor conferred by the U.S. Department of Education.

North Dakota’s Emergency Commission on Thursday unanimously approved the Department of Public Instruction’s request to use more than $4 million in grants to strengthen state efforts to help classroom paraprofessionals become full-fledged teachers.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Friday that nine North Dakota community libraries will share $360,000 in grants to reimburse their costs for providing summer reading and engagement activities and buying K-12 library materials.

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler has awarded a $10,000 innovation grant to the Hettinger public schools to finance an advanced botany instruction program, including a rain garden and hydroponics system for growing plants.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler says more than $4 million in new grant support will strengthen North Dakota’s efforts to help classroom paraprofessionals become full-fledged teachers, at a time when many schools have been scrambling to find instructors.

NDDPI and its partners are putting together some great resources for better incorporating Indigenous culture into every grade level and content area.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler has announced that the Department of Public Instruction is seeking applications for the 2024 U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP) through Oct. 22.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler last week announced that four educators have been identified as finalists for the 2024 North Dakota Teacher of the Year award.

North Dakota has become the first state to obtain approval for including school administrators in a federally supported apprenticeship program, State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said.

When Marvin King began receiving high school graduation announcements from nieces and nephews in early May, it reminded the former class president at Wahpeton High School about the diploma he never received.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler says a new Summer Reading Initiative offers students and their families an opportunity to meet North Dakota children’s authors, get a free book, listen to music, and take part in interactive art projects.

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said a Sawyer High School teacher has been awarded a $10,000 innovation grant to establish esports and drone racing programs at his school, starting with the 2023-24 school year.

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler applauded three North Dakota high school seniors who were named Wednesday as the state’s Presidential Scholars for 2023.

Gov. Doug Burgum has proclaimed May 8-12 as Educator Appreciation Week, North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Monday.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said 13 North Dakota school districts have been awarded $5.93 million in federal mental health and school security grants.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Friday praised the 42 North Dakota educators who have been named as County Teachers of the Year for 2023, saying their passion for serving students and families uphold the state’s tradition of excellence in public education.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said North Dakota has begun a new, innovative teacher apprenticeship initiative as part of a broader strategy to address the state’s shortage of classroom educators.

Gov. Doug Burgum and North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Friday celebrated the governor’s signing of HB1398, which requires the teaching of computer science and cybersecurity and the integration of these content standards into school coursework from kindergarten through 12th grade. The superintendent said North Dakota is the first state in the nation to approve legislation requiring cybersecurity education.

Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Board President and North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler on Monday delivered a State of the States address at the Council’s 2023 Legislative Conference, highlighting partnerships in her state and across the country that are helping students recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler has announced that the Department of Public Instruction is seeking applications from organizations interested in operating North Dakota’s Summer Food Service Program. The program offers meals to children when school is not in session.

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Wednesday that six people have been chosen for two pending openings on the state Board of Higher Education.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Thursday that seven North Dakotans have applied to be considered for two openings on the state Board of Higher Education.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced that the deadline to apply for two North Dakota Board of Higher Education positions has been extended until 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Wednesday said six North Dakotans have applied for two positions on the North Dakota Board of Higher Education, which oversees the 11 colleges and universities in the state’s university system.

Bret Dockter’s year as the 2022 North Dakota Teacher of the Year (TOY) has been, in his own words, amazing and humbling. “I didn’t realize how much it would change me,” he said.

Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota superintendent of public instruction, released a statement Wednesday about Gov. Burgum’s budget recommendations that relate to K-12 public education.

North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Monday that Gavin Kratcha, a junior at Hankinson High School, and Will Nelson, a Jamestown High School senior, have been named as North Dakota’s delegates for the U.S. Senate Youth Program.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said the Department of Public Instruction will provide $500,000 in grants to improve mathematics instruction and learning in North Dakota’s schools.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Thursday that St. John High School and Mott-Regent High School are being honored for outstanding improvements to their students’ academic achievement.

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Wednesday that Michael Jacobson, a project leader in learning design and innovation at Bismarck’s Legacy High School, is the latest recipient of a Department of Public Instruction teacher innovation grant.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Tuesday invited North Dakotans to apply for two openings on the Board of Higher Education, which oversees the state’s 11 colleges and universities and a biennial budget of $2.7 billion.

Approximately 6,400 Hess Toy Trucks will be donated to ND elementary schools. Each elementary school will receive a set of 24 trucks with an associated STEM curriculum, which can be used to teach STEM in a fun and engaging way. 

North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Thursday was named as the new president of the Council of Chief State School Officers, a national organization that represents state education interests.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Monday that North Dakota’s newest results on the National Assessment of Educational Progress show the urgency of investing federal and state pandemic aid to strengthen instruction and support teachers and students.

Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota’s state school superintendent, said Thursday she was alerted to the threats.

“It is unfortunate that someone would call in hoaxes of this nature, but it is reassuring that our school officials, law enforcement, and other first responders were prepared with such a quick and comprehensive response to keep our students and educators safe,” Baesler said.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler invites North Dakotans to take part in drafting new revisions of North Dakota’s English/Language Arts academic content standards.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Thursday that updated school accountability reports, which show performance information about North Dakota’s schools, have been published for students, their families, school teachers and administrators, and taxpayers to review.

North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and Gov. Doug Burgum announced Monday that Ivona Todorovic, an English Language teacher at Red River High School in Grand Forks, has been named as North Dakota’s 2023 Teacher of the Year.

North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Friday celebrated three North Dakota schools for earning the coveted designation of Blue Ribbon School: Linton Public School, Larimore Elementary School, and Roosevelt Elementary in Bismarck.

North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Monday that she has hired Donna Sorensen as the new superintendent of North Dakota’s School for the Deaf/Resource Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Monday that Callie Navarathne, a librarian in West Fargo’s Heritage Middle School, has been awarded a teacher innovation grant to expand the library’s “makerspace” for student projects.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler is inviting North Dakota school boards to take part in leadership training that is designed to help them improve the academic outcomes of their students.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Tuesday named her new Superintendent’s Student Cabinet, a 25-member group that will advise her about ways to strengthen North Dakota’s K-12 education system.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on xxx announced that teachers in Bismarck, Linton, Grand Forks and Hunter are finalists for the 2023 North Dakota Teacher of the Year award.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and state Department of Human Services Director Chris Jones announced Thursday that 46,000 North Dakota children will be receiving a new round of food assistance funds this summer.

Every year, two North Dakota teachers (one in science and one in math) are eligible to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). These awards are the highest honors bestowed by the U.S. government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and/or computer science teaching. The nominations are taken from anyone – principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public – or teachers can opt to apply without being nominated. The awards are given to K-6 teachers one year, 7-12 teachers the next.

State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said this week’s North Dakota Indian Education Summit will focus on ways to integrate instruction about North Dakota’s five tribes into the curriculum of the state’s K-12 schools.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Thursday announced that Mike McHugh and Eric Nelson will be joining the North Dakota Board of Public School Education, which provides guidance and oversight for the state’s K-12 system.

Lowell Milken, founder of the Milken Educator Awards, presented 2021 North Dakota recipient Erica Quale with her $25,000 cash prize on June 3, 2022, at a national forum held at UCLA in Los Angeles.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said North Dakota school board members have begun new leadership training sessions, which are intended to sharpen their focus on improving their students’ academic performance.

‘Student outcomes don’t change until adult behaviors change.’

The above statement is the focus of the recently-introduced North Dakota Be Legendary School Board Leadership Institute, a training program specifically developed for North Dakota school board members.

State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Monday that North Dakota school districts will have free access to software that allows students, teachers, and families to have simple, quick, and easy access to all their online classroom learning tools.

There were once nine schools in North Dakota offering migrant summer programs. Currently, two are offered in Grafton and Manvel for K-12 students (up to 21 years of age) of families of migrant workers. 

The North Dakota Migrant Education Program is entirely funded by the federal government. A migrant worker is defined as a person who moves to another area to find employment. North Dakota sees an influx of seasonal workers in the spring and summer, and some move their families with them wherever they go. Last year, North Dakota served 215 students, with just over 30 enrolled in the distance program.

Education has always been a fast-changing system, even more so in the last few years. Recently the education system has made great shifts in the way that students and teachers interact with curriculum and learning, in general. It is inspiring and admirable to witness how many teachers, like Dunseith Elementary music teacher Tim Hines, have taken this shift in stride.

The ‘All for One, One for All’ program provides opportunities for eligible Fargo Public School District educators to receive additional compensation by participating in additional professional development and/or receiving an additional endorsement on their teaching license.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Monday that the Department of Public Instruction has awarded $200,000 in grants to 11 summer learning programs across the state.

The state Board of Higher Education’s nominating committee on Monday chose six finalists for two positions on the high-profile board, which oversees North Dakota’s 11 public colleges and universities.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said a new grant will pay for expanded training statewide for North Dakota school food service workers and managers.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Thursday celebrated four North Dakota high school seniors who have been named as the state’s Presidential Scholars for 2022.

The North Dakota recipients are:

• Chance Bowlinger, Bismarck, Bismarck Century High School
• Quoc Vi Bui, Fargo, Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen, Mich.
• Yaoyi Ma, Fargo, Fargo North High School
• Luke R. Mavity, Dickinson, Dickinson High School

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler invites North Dakota parents and family members of students to consider joining her Family Engagement Cabinet, a group that advises her about how the state’s schools can strengthen their educational efforts and community ties.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler is asking North Dakota students to apply for the Superintendent’s Student Cabinet, a group of young people who give Baesler their ideas and opinions about improving K-12 education.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Tuesday announced the names of applicants for two prominent North Dakota education boards – the Board of Higher Education and the Board of Public School Education.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Tuesday applauded 47 North Dakota educators who have been named as 2022 County Teachers of the Year, praising them as examples of professional excellence in education.

As the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction works to make education more innovative, Bismarck Public Schools is making sure they are taking advantage of all the opportunities NDDPI provides.

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Monday that the deadline for applying for a position on the state Board of Higher Education has been extended to 5 p.m. Friday, April 29.

Building upon the rollout of the new STARS user experience, we are pleased to announce a new interactive STARS Reporting and Analytics Portal to be released on April 25!

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced that Dr. Connie Hovendick, the superintendent of the North Dakota School for the Deaf Resource Center, will be retiring at the end of June.

Paraprofessional Appreciation Day honors paraprofessional educators, who may also be known as paras, instructional assistants, or teacher aides. Paraprofessionals support students with instruction, behavior, language, physical assistance, and more. They perform a variety of teaching-related tasks and, while they assist teachers in classrooms, they may also work independently.

Gov. Doug Burgum and State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler praised the Bismarck public schools’ Career Academy as an example of what education innovation and career and technical centers can do for North Dakota students.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Wednesday invited North Dakotans from two groups of counties to apply for the Board of Public School Education, which plays a crucial oversight role in the North Dakota’s education system.

A few weeks after North Dakota State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler took office in 2013, she received an email from a high school principal who “wanted to do things differently.”

When work first began on how to improve the way North Dakota students learn, it became apparent that what was good for one district was not going to work in another. School districts were going to need to communicate what changes were desired and of course, not all school districts saw the need for change. Over time, the concept of allowing innovation to grow locally took shape and during the 2017 legislative session, SB 2186 was passed. This precedence-setting legislation allows public and nonpublic schools to have more local control and flexibility over the design and delivery of learning in their schools. 

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Thursday that Bret Dockter, North Dakota’s 2022 Teacher of the Year, has been awarded a $15,000 grant to promote the teaching profession and education. It is the first grant of its kind in state history.

The STARS user interface is getting an overhaul on March 10th! Improvements were made based on user feedback we obtained through surveys, as well as from our STARS advisory group. This is a multi-phase initiative.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Tuesday announced the start of a competition for 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants for the 2022-23 school year.

Recently, representatives from Emerado Elementary School and Mt. Pleasant High School in Rolla traveled to New Orleans to be recognized as National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schools at the 2022 National ESEA Conference. The four-day event was attended by educators, administrators, and state association members from across the U.S. and addressed a common goal – how to best meet the needs of disadvantaged students.

North Dakota is leading the way in educating students in computer science. We are the first state to have computer science and cybersecurity standards for curriculum. To encourage participation and interest in computer science and cybersecurity, the first-ever Cyber Madness Tournament was held February 10 - 12 at Bismarck State College. Thirteen teams of high school students from eleven school districts across North Dakota competed.

North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Monday that Jodi Erickstad, a teacher in the Starkweather school district, will receive the Department of Public Instruction’s first teacher innovation grant.

Erickstad proposed establishing a snowshoeing education program for Starkweather students and their families. The $5,708 grant will buy snowshoe kits, including shoes, walking poles, and portable equipment storage bags.

In North Dakota, there are seven Regional Education Associations (REAs) that support school districts in many ways. These REAs were established by state law in 2005 to increase efficiencies at the school level, allowing districts to pool funding and resources for professional development and services.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced that eight rural school districts across North Dakota have been awarded grants of up to $500,000 each to strengthen reading programs for their students and professional development for their teachers.

What if schools didn't have to worry about making up snow days? That would be a good thing, especially in North Dakota.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler invites North Dakotans to apply for two potential openings on the Board of Higher Education, the panel that oversees the state university system.

Afterschool programs provide endless opportunities for learning experiences, exposure to the arts, physical activity, and even internships for older students. Families benefit from their children's increased engagement and the ability for parents to remain in the workforce.

In North Dakota, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Program serves up to 10,000 students per year at over 100 sites. Federal funding was first made available in 1998 as a means to reduce at-risk behaviors for kids between the hours of 3:00 and 6:00 p.m.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler is encouraging North Dakotans to nominate outstanding teachers as candidates for the State Teacher of the Year Award, which is the most prestigious honors program to focus public attention on teaching excellence.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Thursday that Lyndsi Engstrom, a member of Westhope’s school board, has been appointed to the North Dakota Board of Public School Education.

Engstrom succeeds Maria Effertz Hanson, of Velva, who resigned last month. Gov. Doug Burgum appointed Engstrom to complete Effertz Hanson’s six-year term, which ends June 30, 2024. Engstrom will represent Benson, Bottineau, Cavalier, McHenry, Pembina, Pierce, Ramsey, Renville, Rolette, Towner, and Walsh counties.

As it oversees the education of over 120,000 students across the state, NDDPI partners with many educational and noneducational entities to carry out its mission. Most people may not realize NDDPI is in a unique position compared to its counterparts in other states. 

“In North Dakota, NDDPI doesn’t oversee everything that has to do with education,” said North Dakota Assistant Superintendent Laurie Matzke. “There are many departments and organizations working together. Superintendent Baesler has, over the past eleven years, worked hard to create and strengthen partnerships so we can collaborate on projects.”

The need for improved screening and intervention for dyslexia led to the creation of HB1461 during the 2019 North Dakota legislative session. The bill was passed and the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction received $250,000 to implement the Dyslexia Pilot Program for the 2019-2021 biennium.

North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler is inviting library specialists, educators, and other experts to participate in revising the state’s Library and Technology academic content standards for grades kindergarten through 12.

These standards were last updated in 2012. They provide guidelines about what students should know and be able to do in each grade as they advance through elementary and secondary school.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Wednesday that the annual North Dakota school compliance report has been published. State law requires all North Dakota schools to submit compliance reports in order to receive state education aid.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler congratulated two high school seniors who have been named as North Dakota’s delegates for the U.S. Senate Youth Program. The honor includes a $10,000 college scholarship and the opportunity to attend a weeklong online leadership program in Washington, D.C., next spring.

Most people have heard that mental and behavioral health struggles are increasing, especially for our youth. According to the 2019 North Dakota Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 61.2 percent of high school students reported their mental health was not good on at least one day during the 30 days before the survey. And, the percentage of students who have seriously considered attempting suicide, has increased from 12.4 percent in 2009 to 18.8 percent in 2019.

School districts across North Dakota have been dealing with teacher shortages for several years. And, beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board declared all areas (all academic areas needing a license) as having a shortage. The preliminary results for the 2021-2022 school year show the trend continuing and even worsening in some areas.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler has been chosen as president-elect of the Council of Chief State School Officers, a national organization that represents state education interests and manages the national Teacher of the Year award.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler is encouraging residents of North Dakota’s northern tier of counties to consider applying for the State Board of Public School Education, which plays an important role in the state’s educational system.

Monday, November 15th kicks off American Education Week across the United States. In North Dakota, the Department of Public Instruction encourages schools to celebrate their students, teachers and the entire learning community.

As college-bound seniors navigate their last year of high school, one of the things on their to-do list is probably 'apply for scholarships.' North Dakota has done a great job providing scholarship opportunities to help students attain an affordable degree in North Dakota colleges and universities. There are many scholarships, grants, reciprocity, and student exchange programs available.

When North Dakota colleges and universities started seeing an increase in the number of students having to take remedial courses in English and math, the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction stepped up to create the College Ready English and Math (CREAM) program.

State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler is asking North Dakotans for their opinions about the skills students should learn as they move through the state public education system, as part of the work of establishing a state “learning continuum.”

Not every student who graduates from high school will go to college. Some might enter the workforce and others might enlist in the military. Making sure students are successful, no matter what they choose, is the goal of the North Dakota Choice Ready initiative.  

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Thursday that new test information shows a decline in student math and English proficiency during the 2020-21 school year.  The results offer evidence about how the COVID-19 pandemic affected student learning in North Dakota.

DPI believes that every child deserves a personalized learning experience. In 2017, DPI and partners across the state garnered support for SB 2186, which created a pilot program that fosters personalized, competency-based learning in North Dakota. This initiative supports the North Dakota PK-12 Strategic Vision that all students will graduate choice ready with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions they need to be successful.

North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler has announced a new grant program to fund learning opportunities outside of school for students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

When you hear the word literacy, you may think of reading and writing. But it is so much more. Literacy involves a wide variety of skills, including listening, speaking, comprehension and problem solving. It is the foundation for lifelong success at home, school and in the community.

BISMARCK, N.D., Sept. 27, 2021 – State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and Gov. Doug Burgum announced Monday that Bret Dockter, a sixth-grade teacher at B.M. Hanson Elementary School in Harvey, has been named North Dakota’s 2022 Teacher of the Year.

Most of us grew up knowing the ‘3 Rs’ were the foundations of learning in our schools. Reading, writing, and arithmetic are still important, but why not make those foundations stronger with computer science? NDDPI continues to advocate for the value of including computer science and cybersecurity in K-12 curriculum across the state.

What do a college president, an astronaut, a preschool teacher, and a U.S. Surgeon General have in common? Each of these people dropped out of school as teenagers. Years later, they enrolled in adult education to improve their lives. The North Dakota GED pass rate is one of the highest in the nation. For the 2020-21 school year, 453 GEDs were earned, which equates to an 86 percent pass rate.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) has introduced a pilot program designed to serve children and families in the year before they enter kindergarten. The Best in Class Grant program is built on over 20 years of research from similar programs across the country.

In 2015, the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction decided to develop more authentic materials for Native American studies. Because Native American students represent the highest minority population in our state, ten percent of K-12 enrollment, the resources needed to be unique to North Dakota. NDDPI brought together tribal elders from across North Dakota in the spring of 2015. They shared their wealth of knowledge and helped to develop the North Dakota Native American Essential Understandings (NDNAEU) that would form the basis for lesson and resource development. 

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction has opened the selection cycle for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP).Through the program, two delegates will be selected to receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship and will attend the 60th annual Washington Week to be held March 5-12, 2022.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said educators will review the progress of North Dakota’s Native American Essential Understandings school instructional project at the state’s annual Indian Education Summit this week.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler last week congratulated four North Dakota educators who have been chosen as finalists for the state’s Teacher of the Year award for 2022.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler is inviting North Dakotans to offer suggestions about how to use federal aid to strengthen education in the wake of the instructional challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two Grand Forks County students, Ellen Anna Gregoire and Dennis Du, have been named as North Dakota’s Presidential Scholars for 2021.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Monday celebrated 40 North Dakota educators who are being honored as Teachers of the Year in the counties in which they work.

North Dakota State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said that an educational software program used by about 6,000 students for accelerated learning will remain available at no cost to students and families for the next two years. She encouraged North Dakota districts, schools, and families to continue using the program, or to consider becoming new users.

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction is seeking applications from organizations that are interested in operating North Dakota’s Summer Food Service Program. The program provides meals to children when school is not in session.

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Friday praised four North Dakota high school seniors who registered perfect 36 composite scores on the ACT college entrance exam during their high school careers.

On behalf of the State of North Dakota, the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) will be submitting a waiver for the 2020-2021 school year of accountability, school identification, and related reporting requirements in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA).

North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said her new Superintendent’s Student Cabinet includes 23 students from across the state, from a third grader to two high school seniors.

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said the state Board of Higher Education’s member nominating committee will meet Thursday to consider seven applicants for two seats on the board.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said she will not require North Dakota schools to close for two days during the 2021-22 school year, which she said will give school districts more options in planning their upcoming school year.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler has announced the publication of the annual North Dakota school compliance report. State law requires all North Dakota schools to submit these reports.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler provides statements following Gov. Doug Burgum’s budget address to the organizational session of the 2021 North Dakota Legislature on Thursday.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Friday that a nominating committee has recommended three candidates for Gov. Doug Burgum to consider for an opening on North Dakota’s Board of Higher Education.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said six North Dakotans have applied for an open seat on the Board of Higher Education, which oversees the state’s 11 public colleges and universities.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Tuesday asked North Dakotans to consider applying for two Board of Higher Education seats that will be coming open on July 1, 2021.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler is inviting North Dakota students to apply for the Superintendent’s Student Cabinet, a group of young people who offer Baesler ideas and advice about the state’s K-12 education system.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Wednesday announced $33.8 million in new aid for North Dakota’s schools, which may be spent on mental health support, technology, building ventilation improvements, and other needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said North Dakota’s public and nonpublic schools will be getting shipments of cloth masks soon to help inhibit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler praised a group of standout North Dakota educators for crafting a guide of distance learning teaching tips to help their colleagues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On behalf of the State of North Dakota, the NDDPI will be submitting a 21st Century Community Learning Center wavier application with respect to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Thursday congratulated three North Dakota schools for being honored as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2020.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and Gov. Doug Burgum announced Monday that Kristi Reinke, a social studies teacher at Jim Hill Middle School in Minot, has been named the 2021 North Dakota Teacher of the Year.

The Institute of Education Sciences released a guide in September that is based on the Native American student needs assessment and action plan developed by North Dakota education stakeholders and leaders. 

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Wednesday that a new state government partnership with Minot State University will help ease North Dakota’s shortage of special education teachers.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced North Dakota finished second in the nation in the percentage of General Educational Development test-takers who earned a GED diploma in the past 12 months.

North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Friday announced that Burdell Johnson, of Tuttle, and Sonia Meehl, of Oakes, have been appointed to the state Board of Public School Education.

Common Schools Fund provides more than $1 billion for schools over 10 years.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Thursday that three potential appointees for North Dakota’s Board of Higher Education have been forwarded to Gov. Doug Burgum for his consideration.

State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and EduTech Director Rosi Kloberdanz today announced a Code.org Professional Learning Program beginning in June for middle school teachers and July for high school teachers. There is also a program available for elementary teachers.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Wednesday invited applications for two openings on the Board of Public School Education, which facilitates cooperation among the state’s various K-12 education organizations.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Friday that eight candidates have applied for a future vacancy on North Dakota’s Board of Higher Education.

Gov. Doug Burgum has granted State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler’s request for an executive order that allows North Dakota’s schools to keep larger financial reserves to pay expenses from the COVID-19 pandemic.

North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler is asking for public suggestions about the best uses for federal education aid that was recently approved by Congress.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced that 20 North Dakota education sites have been awarded $41.8 million in grants, to be distributed over five years,
to help students across the state improve their skills in reading, writing and speaking.

Gov. Doug Burgum and State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Monday that beginning June 1, North Dakota schools will be allowed to host a number of activities, including summer school and college admissions testing.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Wednesday that Gov. Doug Burgum is allowing North Dakota’s schools to use school property for high school graduation ceremonies.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Wednesday that a “virtual graduation ceremony” will be broadcast and livestreamed across North Dakota May 30 as a special opportunity to honor North Dakota’s Class of 2020.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Friday congratulated nine North Dakota seniors who earned perfect 36 composite scores on their ACT exams during their time in high school.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler has secured $33 million for North Dakota schools that was included in recent, sweeping federal legislation approved in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler praised seven North Dakota high school seniors who were named as semifinalists for Presidential Scholar honors, which is one of the nation’s most prestigious education awards.

State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler successfully pushed the U.S. Department of Education to agree to grant North Dakota’s schools more local control and flexibility in managing federal aid that benefits students from low-income homes.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Wednesday asked North Dakotans to apply for a state Board of Higher Education seat that is coming open July 1.

State School Superintendent and Gov. Doug Burgum have collaborated on a request to the U.S. Department of Education to waive all federally mandated student assessments for the 2019-20 school year.

Governor Burgum, with State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, provided updated guidance to K-12 school districts after the governor on Sunday ordered schools closed this week to slow the spread of COVID-19 and provide time to gather more data, better assess coronavirus testing and treatment capability, and allow school districts to plan for educating their students in the event of an extended COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Doug Burgum today announced that K-12 schools which were closed this week by executive order will not have to make up the instructional time later this school year.

BISMARCK, N.D. – By executive order, Gov. Doug Burgum today ordered the closure of North Dakota K-12 schools in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 based on guidance from public school superintendents, medical experts and the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH).  

Update from ND Superintendent Kirsten Baesler: The situation is constantly evolving. North Dakota leaders have been meeting around the clock since Friday afternoon. 

Update from ND Superintendent Kirsten Baesler: I am aware of the Minnesota directive to close schools this week.

ND State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and Governor Doug Burgum say the governor will not order the state’s schools closed for now, because information about the presence of COVID-19 in North Dakota does not justify that step. There has been one confirmed COVID-19 case in Ward County, and there have been no documented cases of spread within a community.

State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler congratulated 64 North Dakota high school seniors who have been nominated for United States Presidential Scholar honors.

The scholars were chosen from 20 public and four nonpublic high schools. Bismarck Century has the most nominees, with 13, while Grand Forks Central had 10. Fargo’s Davies and North high schools have six nominees each.

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction is seeking applications from organizations interested in operating North Dakota’s Summer Food Service Program. It provides meals to children when school is not in session.

Megha Bharadwaj, a junior at Bismarck’s St. Mary’s Central High School, and Rachel Goven, a senior at Turtle Lake Mercer High School, have been chosen to take part in the U.S. Senate Youth Program in March. The honor includes a $10,000 college scholarship.

State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Monday encouraged North Dakota school districts and early childhood care providers to apply for grant funds that will help strengthen the reading, writing and speaking skills of the state’s young people.

A legislative committee last week gave the Department of Public Instruction permission to begin distributing funds from the $43.9 million U.S. Department of Education grant.

School districts and early childhood care providers may apply for a share of the money, which will be distributed over five years. Training sessions on how to fill out grant applications will begin Jan. 14. The application deadline is March 1.

State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Monday that new survey information about the health behavior of high-school students shows they are drinking less and using less tobacco.

Fewer high school students reported being bullied electronically or personally at school in the survey, which was taken last spring. Fewer young people neglected to buckle up when riding in vehicles, the survey said. "These trends are moving in the right direction and are things we can and should celebrate," Baesler said.

State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler has approved a request from the North Dakota Council of Educational Leaders to designate Oct. 22-23, 2020, as days during the 2020-21 school year when classes, sports events and practices, and other school activities may not be held.

State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler said Monday that three school organizations have been awarded almost $230,000 in grants to explore the best ways to identify and serve young North Dakota students who have dyslexia. The groups represent 19 school districts.

Check out the new Lexile and Quantile Hub! Find new and enhanced tools that fit your needs.

BISMARCK, N.D., Oct. 4, 2019 – State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced Friday that a new year’s worth of North Dakota school performance and accountability information has been integrated into the state’s “education dashboard” website.

NDDPI is pleased to announce funding support for existing and upcoming leadership professional development opportunities designed specifically to meet the individual needs of school leaders across the state.

What does it take to be an incredible school board leader? Betsy Ames has served for 50 years!

ACT, Inc. and MetaMetrics, Inc. are conducting an important research study this fall to link the Lexile and Quantile Frameworks with the ACT Reading and Mathematics scales.

Millicent Schwartz, a Grand Forks Red River graduate, and Seth Benson, a graduate of West Fargo Sheyenne High, both earned perfect 36 composite scores on the ACT.

Choice Ready is an element in the North Dakota accountability system to measure whether our high schools prepare students to be ready for success upon graduation.

More than 90% of parents want their child’s school to teach computer science, but only 35% of high schools, nationally, teach it. Considering the lack of student access along with the obvious benefits, concerted efforts have been made over the past couple of years to address the lack of computer science as a part of our North Dakota students’ educational experience. 

Under ESSA, state education departments are required to annually create an accountability report for every public school in the state. The school accountability reports outline how schools are performing on the accountability elements North Dakota selected within its ESSA plan.

North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Wednesday praised two North Dakota high school students who scored a perfect 36 on their ACT college entrance exams.

The following amounts will be used for the 2019-2020 school year to determine the school district responsibility (cost cap) for the education of resident students.