ESSA specifies that state educational agencies identify for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) the lowest-performing schools, high schools with low graduation rates, and schools with chronically low-performing subgroups.
Method and Timeline
North Dakota selects schools with the highest proportion of struggling students for Comprehensive Support and Improvement every three years. NDDPI works with school improvement teams and their leaders to develop a customized approach to address areas in need of improvement.
Identification Criteria
Schools must meet the following criteria:
- The lowest-performing 5% of all Title I schools in the state (based on the performance of the accountability framework over no more than three years)
- All public high schools (Title I or non-Title I) that graduate less than 67%
- Any school that was identified as Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) and did not meet exit criteria after three consecutive years
The following schools are currently identified as CSI schools:
| School | District | Grade Span | Grant Allocation | Interventions to Support School Improvement Efforts | Title I Status | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Supports and Interventions
NDDPI will provide support and interventions for schools selected using a multifaceted approach:
- Schools selected are eligible for school improvement grants to implement evidence-based strategies and build local capacity to sustain improvement efforts.
- All schools are provided with guidance and support, including training on requirements and opportunities, and a Coaching Liaison to provide technical assistance.
- A partnership with the North Dakota Regional Education Associations (NDREAs) provides an opportunity for identified schools to receive assistance with federal requirements, which includes coaching, professional development, evidence-based instructional strategies, data-based decision-making, and ongoing support to meet improvement goals using the School Renewal Guide
- Watch this three-minute video for an overview of the Improvement Science approach that North Dakota is implementing: Improvement Science: A Key to Success in Your Schools - YouTube
- Schools may also receive priority points for NDDPI-sponsored opportunities.
Additional Requirements
- School board and superintendent participation in the Be Legendary School Board Institute
- Quarterly Status Reports
- Increased scrutiny of State and Federal monitoring and required reports
Exit Criteria
A school may exit CSI status after three years upon achieving:
- Scores that are above the bottom 5% of Title I schools
- A graduation rate that is 67% or higher
- Success in meeting established interim goals for both academic achievement and graduation rates
Schools identified for more than one cycle are subject to more rigorous interventions, per ND FIRST.