Targeted Support and Improvement

ESSA requires each state educational agency receiving federal funds to use the meaningful differentiation of schools in partnership with stakeholders, to develop and implement a school-level targeted support and improvement plan to improve student outcomes based on the indicators in the statewide accountability system. 

North Dakota selects schools for Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) from a pool of consistently underperforming schools. The state ESSA plan defines "consistently underperforming schools" based on all indicators within the state’s accountability system performing in the bottom 10% for three consecutive years.

Identified schools also may have a high proportion of struggling student groups and/or significant performance gaps between student groups.

Method and Timeline

The selection of schools for TSI occurs on an annual basis. The method for selecting TSI schools reflects schools that are consistently under-performing and/or low performing in any of the following subgroups: 

• Economically disadvantaged students
• Children with disabilities
• English learners
• White
• American Indian or Alaska Native
• African American
• Asian or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander
• Hispanic or Latino

Identification Criteria

Schools are identified from a pool of consistently underperforming schools or that have one or more subgroups with achievement levels below the highest performing comprehensive school based on all accountability factors within the state’s accountability system. The following schools are currently identified as TSI schools:

Supports and Interventions

Schools selected are awarded school improvement grants to support and sustain improvement efforts by targeting interventions for root causes or performance gaps in student subgroups.

TSI Grant Cycle and Allocation:

TSI Grant Funding Period: September 1, 2022 - December 30, 2023 (15 months)

Additionally, the NDDPI will provide support and interventions for schools selected using a multifaceted approach:

• All schools will be provided guidance and support including training on requirements and opportunities, and a NDDPI liaison to provide technical assistance
• NDDPI has partnered with the North Dakota Regional Education Associations (NDREAs) to support NDDPI’s implementation of comprehensive support. This partnership 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 Process
  • School Renewal Handbook
• Customized training to understand the STARS Data Reporting Platform and how it can be utilized for school improvement and resource allocation
• Priority points for NDDPI-sponsored opportunities, such as the Be Legendary School Board Institute, Family Engagement training, and Cognia’s Diagnostic Review process

Exit Criteria

A school may exit TSI status upon achieving one of the following:

1. No longer consistently underperforming based on the state's accountability system
2. Success in meeting its established interim goals in the identified subgroup for two consecutive years and is making progress on its own

Schools identified as TSI that do not meet the exit criteria after being identified for three consecutive years will be selected for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) beginning in the subsequent school year. These schools will then need to meet the established criteria for CSI schools.

Additional Information

• Targeted School Improvement Support Schools 2021-2022

New educators or leaders in schools identified as Targeted Support and Improvement could check out the TSI/CSI 101 recording that outlines TSI and CSI expectations through the fall of 2021.