Per federal WIOA requirements, the Regional Adult Education Request for Proposals (RFP) deadline was March 2, 2020. Following a precursory review by NDDPI Procurement and Office of Assessment for initial screening and demonstrated effectiveness, a panel representing the Governor’s Workforce Development Council, the WIB required by the recently reauthorized Workforce Innovation & Opportunities Act (WIOA), was selected to review the RFP’s. A panel review was held during March 2020 and scores were finalized, tallied, and verified with NDDPI Procurement
Regional RFP’s were awarded as follows:
REGION 1: Williston State College (Williston)
REGION 2: Minot Public Schools (Minot)
REGION 3: Lake Region State College (Devils Lake; satellite program in Belcourt)
REGION 4: Grand Forks Public Schools (Grand Forks)
REGION 5: Fargo Public Schools (Fargo; satellite program in Wahpeton)
REGION 6: Sheyenne Valley Career & Technology Center (Valley City; satellite program in Jamestown)
REGION 7: Bismarck Public Schools (Bismarck)
REGION 8: Dickinson Public Schools (Dickinson)
The required RFP for Integrated English Literacy/Civics Education (IELCE) was awarded to Fargo Public Schools (Fargo Adult Learning Center).
The required RFP for Corrections Education was awarded to the North Dakota Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation.
The Adult Learning Center and satellite sites are open to serve the public who need basic education and secondary education services. Contact each center for specific office hours, registration protocol, services, classes and GED testing schedules as this varies with each Center.
Once you have contacted a Adult Learning Center program, they will invite you to meet with staff for orientation, where you will learn more about the program and will take an assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses, and create a class schedule to best meet your goals. Sharing future aspirations will be important for the staff to best help you. Once you are enrolled, you can stay in the program as long as you need to. Occasionally you may be asked to take another assessment test to measure your progress.
The following Regional Adult Learning Centers and satellite sites are open to serve the public who need basic education and secondary education services. Contact each center for specific office hours, registration protocol, services, classes, and GED testing schedules as this varies with each Center.
Williston - REGION I
Williston Adult Learning Center
Disability Support Services/Williston State College
1410 University Avenue
Williston ND 58801
Phone: (701) 774-4221
Minot - REGION II
Minot Adult Learning Center
1609 4th Avenue NW
Minot, ND 58703
Phone: (701) 857-4488
Devils Lake - REGION III
Devils Lake Adult Learning Center
Lake Region State College
1801 College Drive North
Devils Lake ND 58301-1598
Phone: (701) 662-1536 or (800) 443-1313 X 21568
Belcourt (Satellite Program of Region III)
Belcourt Adult Learning Center
Turtle Mountain Community College
PO Box 340
Belcourt ND 58316-0340
Phone: (701) 394-4306
Grand Forks - REGION IV
Grand Forks Adult Learning Center
Grand Forks Public Schools
Stanford Centre
500 Stanford Road
Grand Forks ND 58203-2799
Phone: (701) 795-2777
Fargo - REGION V
Fargo Adult Learning Center
Fargo Public Schools
1305 9th Avenue South
Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: (701) 446-2806
Wahpeton (Satellite program of Region V)
Wahpeton ALC/GED
NDSCS Old Main - Room 420
800 North 6th Street
Wahpeton, ND 58076
Phone: (701) 409-0285
Valley City - REGION VI
Valley City Adult Learning Center (Valley City ALC Facebook Page)
Sheyenne Valley Area Career & Technology Center
801 Valley Ave SE
Valley City ND 58072-0030
Phone: (701) 845-0256
Jamestown (Satellite program of Region VI)
Jamestown Adult Learning Center
James Valley Career & Technical Center
910 12th Ave NE
Jamestown ND 58401-6513
Phone: (701) 845-0256
Bismarck - REGION VII
Bismarck Adult Learning Center
1200 College Drive
Bismarck ND 58501
Phone: (701) 323-4530
Dickinson - REGION VIII
Dickinson Adult Learning Center
Dickinson Public Schools
402 4th Street West
Dickinson ND 58601
Phone: (701) 456-0008
The assessments used at the North Dakota Adult Learning Center’s are determined suitable for use in the National Reporting System (NRS) for Adult Education. Other WIOA State partners also use the scores from these assessments to determine best plan of action for their clients.
- TABE 11/12: 100% aligned to College and Career Readiness Standards and used to determine academic levels and gains for Adult Basic and Secondary Education students. Subjects: Reading, Math, Language
- TABE CLAS-E: Determines academic level and gains for ESL students. Subjects: Reading, Language, Writing, Speaking
- BEST Plus: Determines academic level and gains for ESL students. Subjects: Speaking and Listening
- BEST Literacy: Determines academic level and gains for ESL students. Subject: Reading
In April 2017, Adult Education rolled out distance education for students across the state, coordinated from the Regional Adult Learning Center. Barriers such as lack of transportation or competing responsibilities from work and family often prevent individuals from participating in traditional adult education classes. Current demands for online technologies in work and daily life have prompted Adult Education to integrate more technology use to provide opportunities to build technology skills while simultaneously building basic academic skills.
What is Distance Education (DE)
Distance education (DE) can best be defined as formal learning where students and instructors are separated by geography, time, or both for the majority of the instructional period. Distance learning materials are delivered through a variety of media including, but not limited to, print, audio recording, videotape, broadcasts, computer software, web-based programs and other online technology. Teachers support distance learners through communication via mail, telephone, e-mail, online technologies/software and occasional personal face to face meetings. A combination of face-to-face time (enrollment/orientation, pre and post assessment, regular check-in’s) combined with DE from home is often referred to as blended learning.
Students can be asked the following discussion points as they determine DE to be their most appropriate option:
- Do you have a quiet place to study at home?
- Can you meet deadlines?
- Are you willing to spend time each week for online learning (5-8 hours minimum)?
- Can you demonstrate routine and structure for studying?
- Do you have access to technology (home, library, other)?
- Are you comfortable using various computer features (as so described above)?
- Can you work independently?
- How do you handle situations when you get ‘stuck’ and need assistance?
- Are you comfortable calling the ALC if /as needed for clarification and help?
- Can you return to the ALC for post testing or check in at least every six week?
- Are there other barriers or concerns to be discussed?
It is important to determine if the student has the skills needed to participate in online learning. Learner persistence and success in DE depends on more than students' academic skills and knowledge. Distance education requires students organize their time, work independently, have good study skills, and solve problems using technology.
Digital Literacy Skills
Basic computer skills (e.g., proficiency with common computer applications, internet browsers, and use of email) are a necessity for students studying online. It is also critical that learners have a basic understanding of how websites and hyperlinking work. Computer knowledge needed to study online includes:
- Using the mouse to navigate on the screen and to click on appropriate items;
- Using keyboard to enter text;
- Being able to connect and stay connected to the internet;
- Understanding how a web page is set up, including using the back button; and
- Managing new tabs in browser windows.
If you are interested in more information about whether distance education is right for you, contact any Regional Adult Learning Center for more details.
Adult education in North Dakota is based on and supported in the following philosophy:
- All adults have the right to complete their education through the high school level.
- All adults have the right to an education that enhances their ability to affect positive changes in their lives and for their family.
- All adults have the right to obtain the life skill necessary to become self-sufficient and engaged community members.
We are very good at what we do! Come see how we can help you earn your GED and increase your academic skills to achieve your personal goals!
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction receives federal funds under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunities Act, Or WIOA - Title II and state funds (NDCC 15.1-26) to support the operations and free programs of the Adult Learning Centers who serve individuals who:
- are at least 16 years of age;
- are not enrolled in high school;
- do not have a high school diploma;
- are mandated by State Law;
- may lack sufficient mastery of basic educational skills; and/or
- cannot speak, read, or write the English language.
Services available in each Adult Learning Center include: reading/writing, science, social studies, math, digital literacy skills, English Language acquisition for adults who are unable to read, speak or write English, workplace and career planning and readiness, and GED® preparation and testing.
Should you not find what you need on this website, please contact Adult Education at (701) 328-2393. Our office is located in the Capitol Tower and open 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday.