The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) is dedicated to gathering local, regional, and national resources for anyone in the education field. This resource center is designed to be a one-stop-shop to help school, educators, students, parents, and caregivers by providing access to educational supports and resources.
The linked resources on this page were carefully chosen for their alignment to North Dakota K-12 Education Content Standards. Particular attention has been given to identifying best practices and guidance in supporting ALL students and providing suggestions for educator professional learning. Local public school districts decide which curriculum, materials, and resources are used within their district; therefore, these resources may or may not be aligned to a student's specific coursework. Please be sure to cross-check your students' and school's specific materials to ensure appropriate use.
Disclaimer: To provide a wide variety of resources to assist families and educators, this site links to external websites. All external links operate independently from the NDDPI. The department has established a regular review process in an attempt to keep this information up-to-date and accurate. However, neither the State of North Dakota nor any agency, officer, or employee of the State of North Dakota warrants the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information published by this system, nor endorses any content, viewpoints, products, or services linked from this system, and shall not be held responsible for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of such information.
Do you have a resource recommendation?
Companies wishing to share their information on this page are encouraged to complete a Vendor Resource Form. All solicitations will be reviewed to ensure alignment with our North Dakota K-12 Standards.
Career & Technical Education
- Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) - CTE resources, professional development and information.
- ND CTE Distance Education Resources - Resources that will enable teachers, counselors and administrators to continue to provide instruction to North Dakota’s students
ELA
- Breaking the Code - Literacy resources include videos, printables, and links to information about reading, phonics, literacy, and the science of reading.
- CommonLit - Site contains reading passages for grades 3-12 and also has lesson resources. A Chrome browser will be needed to access the site.
- Florida Center for Reading Research Resources - Site contains reading lesson plans developed for Reading First.
- Into the Book - Students site contains reading comprehension activities; teacher site contains resources for reading instruction.
- Iowa Reading Research Center - Site provides information about ELA instruction and lesson plans searchable by grade span and topic.
- Kindergarten Teacher's Guide to Supporting Family Involvement in Foundational Reading Skills - Videos and activities for foundational reading skills.
- Literacy Essentials - Resources for literacy instruction for teachers and instructional coaches.
- National Center on Improving Literacy - The focus of this site is on addressing dyslexia. Resources include e-readers and games.
- ND Council of Teachers of English (NDCTE) - Site provides support for teachers and resources for teaching ELA.
- Read Write Think - Reading lesson plans, graphic organizers for K-12. Linked to standards. Resources are linked to the plans.
- Reading Rockets - The site contains resources promoting early literacy.
Fine Arts
- Google Arts and Culture - Site leads information about different artistic mediums, history, and artists.
- NDMEA - Site contains links to musical events and associations in ND and links to resources and webinars for music teachers.
- ND Music Teachers Association - Site contains a list of resources for Music teachers.
- State Educational Agency Director of Arts Education (SEADE) Instructional Resources - Site contains resources for fine arts instruction.
Foreign Language
- STARTALK - The site provides information and strategies to teach foreign languages.
Health and PE
- CHS Farmer's Alliance Cooperative - Safety information for rural areas including farm safety.
- ND SHAPE - Site links to resources from SHAPE America to encourage healthy habits and physical activity.
- Shape America 2020-21 - Resource for teachers of physical education and health providing considerations for re-entry in the fall.
Math
- 30 Ways to Make Math Fun for Elementary Students - Activities and strategies for elementary math.
- American Statistical Association (ASA) - Site links to classroom resources to teach statistics K-12.
- Elementary Math Lesson Plans and Resources - Resources and activities to teach elementary math.
- Growing Math - Classroom-ready math resources for grades 3-8.
- Illuminations - The site includes lesson plans and interactive resources that may be searched by grade span, national standard, and topic area.
- Maine Math Resources - Provides a variety of resources; description provided for each.
- Math Lesson Plans - Math lesson plans and activities for grades K-12.
- Math Planet - Lessons and instructional videos for Algebra and Geometry.
- Math Teacher Resources - List of resources including lesson plans, games, and activities to teach math.
- National Math+Science Institute - Classroom resources to teach ELA, Math, and Science.
- National Science Digital Library - Resources for teaching science including remote teaching ideas.
- NDCTM - Resources for teaching mathematics.
- NRICH - Math resources, activities, games, and puzzles to develop mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
- Online Math Resources (complete list) - Resources to teach math including games interactive lessons, flashcards, instructional videos, tutorials, and quizzes; covers basic math through calculus.
- PBS Learning Media - Videos, interactives, lesson plans, and other resources for teaching math K-12.
- Teacher Vision - Lesson plans, activities, and worksheets for teaching math.
Science
- American Chemistry Society (ACS) - Site provides resources for teaching chemistry K-12. Elementary and middle school resources include experiments. High School resources include articles and comprehension materials, labs, simulations, and extension activities.
- Birding in North Dakota - The video shares information about the prairie pothole region, bird anatomy, and resources to help identify types of birds.
- Dakota Zoo Creature Feature - Personnel at the zoo present facts about animals.
- Georgia Aquarium - The site provides information about the preservation of the ocean and aquatic animals, along with lesson plans, videos, and webcams.
- Habitats of North Dakota - The video provides information about habitats and the types of habitats found in ND.
- Maine Science Teachers Association - A variety of resources; description provided for each.
- Mammals of North Dakota - The video provides information about mammals found in North Dakota.
- National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) (member organization)) - Site allows access to resources to teach biology.
- National Institute of General Medical Services (NIGMS) - Provides resources for biology and chemistry.
- National Park Service - Site provides lesson plans and distance learning materials to assist with science instruction.
- National Science Digital Library - Resources for teaching science including remote teaching ideas.
- Natural Resources Conservation Services North Dakota - Site provides resources for science and teaching conservation.
- NASA - Site provides resources for teaching Science.
- ND Game and Fish - Site provides information on wildlife and conservation to state stakeholders.
- ND Night Sky - Site contains information for astronomy.
- Nova -Provides science resources.
- NSTA - Site contains classroom resources and professional development resources.
- Park at Dark - The video provides information about nocturnal animals and their characteristics of these animals.
- Plants of North Dakota - The video provides information to help identify plants found in North Dakota.
- The Smithsonian - Resources for teachers, live webinars, and virtual tours.
- The World of Water - The video provides information about where water may be found, the water cycle, and the uses of water.
- US Forest Service -Site provides information about forests and conservation.
Social Studies
- C3 Teachers Social Studies Resources - The site contains inquiry questions and activities for Social Studies.
- Civil War Inquiries - The site contains inquiry modules based on primary source instructional tools from the Huntington Library collection.
- Classroom Materials at Library of Congress - Site provides access to primary sources, lesson plans, and presentations for Social Studies.
- Digital History Reader (European) - The site contains high school level modules incorporating authentic sources; a teacher's guide is included.
- Digital History Reader (US) - The site contains high school level modules incorporating authentic sources; a teacher's guide is included.
- Ellis Island - The site provides information about immigrants and Ellis Island through which many of their ancestors came to the United States.
- Excel-Easy - The site provides tutorials designed to help guide the use of Excel spreadsheets.
- Eyewitness to History - Historical passages from various time periods in history. The site also contains old movie clips and audio, along with authentic resources for various historic periods.
- Growing Math Social Studies - Videos about Indigenous history and Lakota culture.
- In Our Time - BBC podcasts about history.
- Mt. Vernon - The site provides a virtual tour of Mount Vernon, primary sources, and historical information from the Revolutionary War period.
- National Archives - The site provides primary sources and online learning programs.
- National Archives Docs Teach - The site provides digital access to photos and documents that may be used to teach history. Teaching suggestions are provided to help use the resources.
- National Constitution Center - The site includes videos and lesson plans to teach about government and civics.
- National Museum of the American Indian - The site contains historical artifacts and videos from the Smithsonian along with resources to history.
- Natural Resources Conservation Services North Dakota - The site provides resources for science and teaching conservation.
- Plimoth Plantation - Videos of experiences at Plimoth plantation and virtual field trip; depicts the lifestyle of 1600s.
- Social Studies Central - The site provides links to Social Studies resources.
- Stanford History Education Group - The site provides U.S. History and World History lessons, assessments, and resources.
- Teaching History.org - Site provides authentic sources and lesson plans for teaching history.
- US Citizenship and Naturalization Test Resources - The site provides resources to prepare for the US Citizenship and Naturalization Test.
- US Holocaust Memorial Museum - The site contains information related to the Holocaust.
- US Census Bureau - Variety of resources including videos and activities to teach students about the census.
- USA.gov - The site contains information for teachers about the government.
STEM
- 21 Amazing STEM Resources for Teachers - List of sites containing STEM resources.
- Code - K-12 STEM-related courses and projects.
- Family STEM Resources - List of sites containing STEM activities, organizations, events, and research on STEM.
- International Technology and Engineering Education Association (ITEEA) - Activities for teaching STEM in the classroom.
- National Inventor's Hall of Fame - The site provides STEM-based resources for educators.
- Sanford Research Teaching Resources - STEM resources for teachers K-12 including units, videos, slideshows, and printables.
- STEAM Education Teaching Resources - Links to STEAM resources such as articles, activities, and projects.
- Annenburg Learner - Variety of resources for STEM, Math, Science, Social Studies, and ELA. Resources include videos, online textbooks, unit guides, projects, and galleries.
- Curriki - Teacher created academic resources in computer science, ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Fine Arts.
- Ignite My Future in School - Activities and lessons in Science, Social Studies, ELA, STEM, Math, and Fine Arts for middle school students.
- Khan Academy - Academic support and tutorials for student in Math, Science, Social Studies, and ELA.
- Library of Congress - Digital Collections at the Library of Congress.
- Library of Congress Film and Video Collections - Collections of films and videos pertaining to history and music.
- National Geographic - Videos, units, activities, lessons, etc., for Science and Social Studies.
- ND Gifted Children - Resources for gifted learners.
- NDOER Commons - Teacher created academic resources in computer science, ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Fine Arts.
- ND State Library - Digital resources and teacher guides for ELA, Science, and Social Studies.
- Smithsonian Kids - Activities and resources for Fine Arts, Social Studies, and Science.
- Camping Hacks - The video shares information about the history of camping and provides tips for camping.
- Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in North Dakota - The video describes the role the CCC had in the development of the North Dakota State Parks. It also provides information about the history of the CCC.
- Fort Abraham Lincoln - Leads to videos about Fort Abraham Lincoln's history and virtual park tours.
- Fort Union Historic Site - Provides historical information about the fort and preservation of artifacts.
- Forts of North Dakota - Video providing information about forts and the forts in North Dakota.
- Habitats of North Dakota - Video providing information about habitats and the types of habitats found in North Dakota.
- Mammals of North Dakota - The video provides information about mammals found in North Dakota.
- Native American Culture in North Dakota - The video presents an overview of the culture, traditions, and influences of the Native American tribes in North Dakota.
- North Dakota Heritage Center - Photos, videos, and audio tours of exhibits in the museum. Resources are available to plan visits to the museum.
- North Dakota State Historic Sites - Information about 57 historic sites and museums in North Dakota.
- ND Historical Society - Resources about North Dakota history.
- ND Parks and Rec Campfire Series: Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in North Dakota - The video describes the role the CCC had in the development of the North Dakota State Parks. It also provides information about the history of the CCC.
- ND Parks and Rec Campfire Series: Day in the Life of a Soldier at Fort Lincoln - Video from Fort Lincoln teaching about a soldier's life.
- ND Parks and Rec Campfire Series: Mammals of North Dakota - Video providing information about mammals found in North Dakota.
- North Dakota Studies - Textbook and materials for teaching North Dakota Studies.
- ND Tourism - Virtual tours of sites in North Dakota.
- Teachings of Our Elders - Information about the history and cultural aspects of the tribal nations and links to many resources.
- Three Affiliated Tribes Museum - Virtual tour of the museum and description of some of the artifacts seen.
- Trade in North Dakota - Video providing information about the history of trade in North Dakota.
- Trails of North Dakota - Video highlights some of the trails found in the North Dakota State Parks and explains several features that may be seen on the trails.
- ACT for Educators - ACT information for educators.
- ACT for Students and Families - ACT information for students. The site includes practice activities to help prepare for the ACT.
- AP Classroom - Information for AP teachers providing support for AP classes.
- AP Students - The site includes instructional supports and AP exam practice for AP students.
- ASVAB - Resources to aid in preparing for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test.
- Cognia Resources - Schools and districts can find helpful resources on administering, using, and interpreting Student Engagement Surveys and Strategy Maps to enhance their school's continuous improvement plans and guide school improvement initiatives.
- College Board Educator Information - Information and resources related to the College Board's Suite of Assessments.
- Counselor Toolkit - The site provides information to help students prepare for the ACT and resources to aid in college and career planning.
- GED - Provides practice materials and online resources to assist in preparing for the GED test and earn your high school equivalency diploma.
- Lesson Planning with Formative Assessment - Links to resources, lesson plans, units, and templates related to using Formative Assessment to help drive instruction.
- Lexile and Quantile Tools - The site provides instructional tools for teachers based on Quantile and Lexile scores.
- NAEP - Information and resources for educators in using NAEP questions and framework in the classroom. The site allows educators to search for questions, take sample tests, and create customized assessments for many subjects.
- PRAXIS - Information and materials used in educator preparation for the Praxis test leading to certification in specific content areas.
- PSAT Information and Resources - Information on scores, test content, test-taking tips, and practice tests.
- SAT Practice - Online resources to help prepare for the SAT exam and college readiness.
- TOEFL - The site provides information to help prepare for the TOEFL iBT Test for English Proficiency.
- American School Counselor Association - Toolkits, resources, and links relating to current issues facing students.
- Counselor Toolkit - Information related to ACT test.
- National Dropout Prevention Center - Resources to prevent students from dropping out of school.
- The Coping Skills Toolbox - Resources for counselors to assist students with learning coping skills.
- Distinguished Teacher Exemplar–Keeping student learning at the top of their minds, our network of North Dakota State Teachers of the Year stepped forward, offering innovative tips to improve instruction and ways to resolve some growing pains with distance learning. To continue this momentum, the Department of Public Instruction in July invited former State Teachers of the Year, STOY nominees, and other classroom leaders to discuss how they overcame the challenges that they met with distance learning.
- Boston Children's Museum - The site provides play-based resources and activities some of which could be done at home.
- Brightly Storytime - Provides recorded read-aloud for young children.
- Division of Early Childhood - The site helps families and enhances the development of young children ages 0-8.
- ECTA - Resources that provide technical assistance for early intervention and preschool special education programs.
- Florida Early Learning Resources - Variety of resources for parents and early learning educators promoting the development of young children. Site links to other sites containing learning resources and provides activities and information.
- Leapfrog Letter Factory - Videos help supplement phonemic awareness instruction.
- Leapfrog Numberland - Videos help supplement number sense and early math instruction.
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - Site provides resources to promote the development of young children.
- National Office of Head Start - Site provides resources for early childhood teachers.
- ND DHS - The site provides resources regarding child care and early learning for providers and families.
- Reading Rockets - The site contains resources promoting early literacy.
- US Dept of Education - The site contains early learning and family engagement information.
- Waterford UpStart - Early learning resources for families.
- Beginning of the Year Relationship Building - Resources to build relationships with students and families.
- CEEDAR Center Family Guide to At-Home Learning - Guidance for parents of students learning at home.
- Child Mind Institute - Provides information for families dealing with mental health or learning disabilities.
- Community Action Partnership - Site provides resources to assist families.
- Parents Lead – Support for parents in promoting the behavioral health of their children.
- Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide – Guide to help all parents and caregivers, including those who have limited experience with digital tools, those who are expert with these tools, and anywhere in between.
- Pathfinder Services of ND - Parents information, training, and resource center for parents of children with disabilities in ND.
- Prairie Public - Site provides link to Public Broadcasting System Learning Media which has several resources available to support families and academics.
- Story Place - Scheduled story time daily online.
- Supporting Your Child's Reading at Home - Provide recommendations for parents to support reading for grades K-3.
- US Dept of Education - Site contains early learning and family engagement information.
- North Dakota Family Engagement Cabinet Resource Kit - Link to Family Engagement Resources on NDDPI website.
- Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security - Link to the US Department of the Treasury guidance on the CARES act.
- ESSER Funding FAQ - Link to the ESSER frequently asked questions page of the NDDPI website.
- USED Coronavirus Fact Sheet - Link to the USED fact sheet on the use of education grant funds during COVID-19.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - Guidance to assist with pandemic preparedness in the workplace and ADA compliance.
- CDC Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidelines - CDC cleaning and disinfection guidance for facilities.
- CDC General Business FAQs - CDC guidance explaining what to do if you are infected with Coronavirus.
- CDC Guidance - CDC guidance explaining what to do if you are infected with Coronavirus.
- CDC Guidance for Bus Transit Operators - CDC guidance for buses.
- CDC Guidance for Cloth Face Covers - CDC guidance explaining how to wear a cloth face covering properly.
- CDC Guidance for Schools and Childcare - CDC guidance for schools and childcare in handling COVID-19
- CDC Handwashing Guidance - Handwashing guidance information from the CDC.
- CDC Handwashing Posters (FREE) - CDC free handwashing posters schools may order.
- CDC Healthy Hygiene Etiquette and Practice - Guidance by the CDC to promote healthy hygiene etiquette and practice.
- CDC Sign Face Covering Checklist - CDC sign explaining what individuals should and shouldn't do when wearing clothe face coverings.
- CDC Sign How to Protect Yourself and Others - CDC sign explaining safe practices to help protect individuals from COVID-19.
- CDC Standards and Transmission Based Practices - Guidance on precautions for persons who may be infected to prevent infection transmission.
- CDC Stop the Spread Sign - CDC Stop the Spread sign.
- CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus - CDC information describing the symptoms of Coronavirus.
- Common Sense Media - Site provides resources to help learn more about COVID-19.
- Guidance for Operating Youth and Summer Camps During COVID-19 - Resource links to CDC guidance for operating youth and summer camps during COVID.
- Handwashing and Hand Sanitizer Use at Home, at Play, and Out and About - Site provides information on the use of hand washing and hand sanitizer to help prevent the spread of disease.
- Prevent Child Abuse America - Site provides tips for parents, educators, and others to deal with COVID-19.
- Evidence of Effectiveness of Wearing Face Coverings - Article from the CDC regarding the impact of wearing face coverings.
- Academic Progress Tools Chart: National Center on Intensive Intervention - Information about educational progress monitoring tools.
- Aurora Institute: Continuity of Learning Resources - Resources to help maintain continuity of learning during COVID-19.
- Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports - Strategies to help educators meet young children's social and emotional needs.
- National Center on Intensive Intervention - The site provides information to help educators and other building-based personnel find tools and resources to support students with intensive needs, including students with disabilities and those who have not responded to validated intervention programs delivered with fidelity.
- ND MTSS Framework - Framework and supports multi-tiered support systems to help meet student needs.
-
North Dakota OER Commons - This resource contains teacher-created materials for multiple academic areas.
-
Accelerated Learning Recovery - This is a document with recommendations on accelerated learning that includes 19 proposals that the NDDPI advocates after meeting with education stakeholders. The state is advocating that districts make local decisions about how best to help students with the accelerating learning recovery, but this document can help with those conversations.
-
Back-to-School Blueprint - Site provides resources in the form of learning modules for re-entry.
-
Back-to-School Resources are Available for Parents and Caregivers During the Pandemic - NDDoH has a new resource available to help parents and caregivers in supporting children with back-to-school plans, whether that means returning to school full time, distance learning or a hybrid model.
-
COVID 19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-Entry - To provide guidance for schools as they plan for re-entry in the fall.
-
Plan Ahead to Support the Transition-back of Students, Families, and Staff - Information to assist schools plan to address barriers to learning as they transition back to the school setting.
-
Restarting School: Planning for Acceleration in the 2020-2021 School Year - Link to document by TNTP to assist schools as they plan to restart schools and address learning gaps created by COVID-19. Document helps identify some steps schools can take and instructional practices that will help move students forward.
-
Return to School Roadmap - Planning steps to assist schools in preparing to return and effectively transition back to instruction in the classroom.
-
School Resources Hub - Site provides information to help schools as they plan for re-entry.
-
Principal Toolkit for Returning to School - This tool kit provides support for Principals during re-entry. It provides suggestions for scheduling, space use, learning recovery, etc.
- Alphabet of Stress Management and Coping Skills - The site provides a list of stress management and coping skills.
- American Institutes for Research (AIR) Social Emotional Learning Solutions - Site provides research and resources for social and emotional learning.
- Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) - The site contains resources for Social and emotional learning.
- Common Sense Education - Resources for teaching social-emotional learning.
- Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network - Site provides mental health supports for students.
- Assessments for K-12 students’ Interpersonal, Intrapersonal and Higher-Order Cognitive Competencies - List of assessments to help measure the social and emotional behavior of students.
- Helping Children Cope with Changes Resulting from COVID-19 - Resource providing strategies to support students cope with the changes resulting from COVID-19.
- Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire - Questionnaire designed to assist with the identification of strengths and difficulties for student social-emotional behavior.
- Trauma-Informed Approach to Teaching Through Coronavirus - Resource provides recommendations for educators supporting students during the COVID-19 crisis.
- Addressing Barriers to Learning - Link provides information and resources to help address barriers to learning.
- Aspen Institute SEAD - Link defines the connection between social, emotional, and academic development.
- Aspen Institute SEAD Fact Sheet - Link to information describing the impact of social-emotional to academic development.
- CASEL - Reunite, Renew, and Thrive: SEL Roadmap for Reopening Schools - Resources and considerations for SEL learning upon reopening schools during the pandemic.
- CASEL Competencies - Link to social-emotional and learning competencies.
- CASEL COVID 19 Social Emotional Resources and Guidelines - Link provides a variety of social-emotional resources and guidelines for parents and educators.
- CASEL 3 Signature Practices Playbook - Three signature practices to help integrate SEL practices and promote community building and deeper engagement.
- CASEL Guide to Schoolwide Data Reflection Protocol - This tool presents a structured reflection process for SEL teams and other school stakeholders to observe trends and discuss ideas for continuous improvement of SEL implementation.
- CDC Tips to Helping Students Cope - The site provides tips and resources for teachers to help students cope after dealing with an emergency or disaster when returning to school.
- Center for Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL) - The site provides resources to support the social and emotional needs of young children.
- Determining Who Needs Additional Support - Universal Screening Tool - Implementation guide to best practices for social, emotional, and behavioral screening.
- Dr. Bruce Perry COVID -19 Stress, Distress, and Trauma Series - Link to a series of videos explaining the impact of stress, distress, and trauma on student learning.
- Helping Children with Traumatic Separation or Grief During COVID-19 - Link to information to help talk to children about traumatic separation or grief related to COVID-19.
- National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments - Link provides information to help promote a safe school environment.
- NCTSN Coping in Hard Times: Fact Sheet - Resource provides information about how to assist students, staff, and families dealing with economic downturns.
- ND Behavioral Health - Site provides resources and links to behavioral health supports for children, adults, and providers dealing with COVID-19.
- ND MTSS SEL Goals - The NDMTSS SEL Goals provide ND school districts and educators a framework to guide quality explicit instruction of social and emotional learning skills to foster an engaging school climate for all students, guide selection of evidence-based programs, and steer professional learning with regards to SEL in ND.
- ND Project Renew - Link to resources in North Dakota for behavioral health and homelessness.
- Psychological First Aid - Intervention model to assist students, staff, and families dealing with trauma-related distress.
- Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools - Link to a toolkit of resources to help schools prepare and manage emergencies and crises.
- Robbie's Hope – Site provides resources for teens and their parents regarding teenage issues such as anxiety, depression, suicide, managing screen time, and technology usage.
- School Guide Essentials - Link to a set of essential tools for use during professional training or as a quick reference for coaches and SEL team leaders.
- SEARCH Institute Building Developmental Relationships During the COVID Crisis - Link to a checklist to help build developmental relationships during the COVID-19 crisis.
- Social Stories to Support People with I/DD During the COVID-19 Emergency -
- Social Stories for Young and Old on COVID-19 - Social stories about COVID-19 for students.
- Strengthening Adults Social and Emotional Needs - Resource to assist schools to strengthen adults' SEL competence and capacity.
- Supporting Children During COVID-19 - Resource provides strategies to help support students during COVID-19.
- Supporting and Responding to Behavior - Strategies to help educators support and respond to student behavior.
- Teaching the Whole Child - Guide to instructional practices that support SEL.
- Talking with Children about COVID-19
- Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks - Resource provides tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks.
- Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks - The site provides a variety of resources providing strategies to deal with the stress that may be felt during infectious disease outbreaks.
- Parents Lead - Helping Children Make Sense of the COVID-19 Pandemic - Site provides resources to help families during COVID-19.
- American Occupational Therapy Association - SPED COVID-19 response information for Occupational Therapists.
- American Speech Language Hearing Association - Tele-practice resources for use during COVID-19.
- Autism Speaks - Provides families and educators with information about autism.
- Career Exploration Videos - Videos to assist special needs students with the transition.
- CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) - Resources for social and emotional learning.
- Ceeder Center - Supports students with disabilities in achieving college- and career-ready standards by building the capacity of state personnel preparation systems to prepare teachers and leaders to implement evidence-based practices within MTSS.
- Center for Parent Information and Resources - A technical assistance center that provides resources to national parent support centers.
- Child Mind Institute - Information for families dealing with mental health or learning disabilities.
- Common Sense Education - Resources for teaching social-emotional learning.
- Council for Exceptional Children - Resources and information for teachers of students with special needs.
- Cox Campus - Tools, resources, and professional development for families and educators in the areas of Speech/Language and Literacy.
- Described and Captioned Media Program - Make videos accessible: Captioned and described educational videos for students with disabilities and their families.
- ND Federation of Families - The ND Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health is a parent-run advocacy organization focused on the needs of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders and their families.
- Educating All Learners Alliance - Resources shared by educators throughout the United States regarding students with special needs.
- Family Voices of ND - Resource containing audio recordings of information on a variety of family-centered topics.
- Grandview University Autism Training Resources - Resources that provide training for autism.
- Helpful Online Transition Related Resources - The site provides support for teachers and transition stakeholders providing transition services to students with disabilities through distance learning methods.
- High Leverage Practices in Special Education - Provide a set of high leverage practices for special education educators.
- Intervention Central - Educational and behavioral resources for teachers to assist with providing intervention for students.
- Iris Center - Instructional resources for students with disabilities.
- Learning Disabilities Association of America - Resources for educators and families dealing with the challenge of learning disabilities.
- Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network - Mental health supports for students.
- National Association of Special Education Teachers - Site provides information and resources for various disabilities.
- National Association of School Psychologists - The site provides resources and advanced practices to improve student learning, behavior, and mental health.
- National Career Development Association - The site contains vetted current and credible resources useful to counselors, coaches, and specialists working with clients needing transition-related instruction.
- National Center for School Mental Health - Strengthen policy and programs in schools to support kids’ mental health.
- National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI) - Resources for assisting special needs students including products, guidance, webinars, and tools.
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network - Links to mental health supports for families.
- National Institute of Mental Health - Information about different mental disorders, diagnoses, and treatment.
- NDAA Instructional Resources Based on the Essential Elements - Resource provides professional development for educators working with students with significant cognitive disabilities.
- ND Federation of Families - The ND Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health is a parent-run advocacy organization focused on the needs of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders and their families.
- ND Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health - Resource is a parent -un organization focused on the needs of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders and their families.
- North Dakota Protection & Advocacy - Advocate for the legal rights of people with disabilities in North Dakota.
- Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services (NKCES) - Professional development opportunities for educators of students with special needs.
- Office of Special Education - Evidenced-based and promising practices to support continuity of learning for students with disabilities.
- Parent Resource Videos by TIES Center and NCEO - Videos to assist parents with distance learning for students with cognitive disabilities.
- Pathfinder Services of ND - Parents information, training, and resource center for parents of children with disabilities in North Dakota.
- Personalizing the Reading Experience - Guidance on creating accessible materials.
- Prevent Child Abuse ND (PCAND) - Organization promoting the prevention of child abuse.
- Resource Materials and Technology Center for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (RMTC-D/HH) - Resources and professional development for people who are deaf/hard of hearing.
- Self-Advocacy and Social/Emotional Learning Units - Transition activities for students with disabilities to develop self-advocacy skills.
- Supporting Students with IEPs during eLearning Days - Webinar explaining how to support students with challenges during distance learning.
- T-Folio - Transition portfolio tool to guide youth in exploring, identifying, and planning for their desired post-school goals.
- TIES Center - Resources for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
- Understood - Resources and information for educators and families of students with ADHD or learning disabilities.
- Professional Development - Links to professional development resources to assist students with disabilities.
- Supports for Learning at Home for Students with Complex Communication Needs - Resource provides strategies for educators working with students with complex communication needs.
- 10 Ways to Personalize Learning - Resource provides strategies to help personalize instruction to meet student needs.
- ASCD - Links to webinars and materials on a variety of instructional strategies.
- Blackboard -Video to assist educators with using this LMS platform.
- Blended Learning and Flipped Classrooms Definitions - Video defining blended learning and flipped classrooms and explains how these strategies may be helpful to students.
- Blended Learning Resource Roundup - The site provides resources to help train educators and start using blended learning.
- Corwin - Publishing company that hosts webinars on a variety of instructional strategies in various subjects.
- Differentiated Instruction Definition and Professional Learning - Videos providing definitions and resources for differentiated instruction.
- Differentiated Instruction Resource Roundup - List of resources to help train educators to start differentiating instruction.
- Education Reimagined - Information about learner-centered instruction.
- EduTech - List of training resources for educational technology.
- EduTech YouTube Training Videos - Training videos to assist with the use of educational technology.
- Edutopia - Videos and articles on instructional strategies.
- Getting Started with Personalized Learning - List of resources providing information about personalized learning.
- How to Measure and Increase Student Engagement - The article provides instructional strategies to increase student engagement.
- Intervention Central - Resources for behavioral and educational interventions for students.
- Instruction Partners - Resources for curriculum development and instruction
- LINCSpring - Professional development tool providing training on instructional strategies.
- Marzano Resources - Webinars and resources on instructional strategies.
- ND United – Resource links to NEA classroom resources.
- NDCEL - Resources for administrators.
- NDREA - Regional Educational Associations in North Dakota; instructional resources links are available on this site.
- Solution Tree - Webinars and reproducible study guides providing training on instructional strategies.
- Teach Thought - Resources providing training for instructional strategies.
- Teaching with Accessible Video - The article explains how to create accessible videos.
- ThoughtCo - Resources for instructional strategies.
National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) – Is the leading trade association in the student transportation industry, a vibrant and diverse community of people and organizations that share a passion for safe and efficient student transportation.
- The STARTS Task Force: Supporting Transportation In Its Support of Education
National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation (NASDPTS) – The purpose of the association is to provide leadership, assistance, and motivation to the Nation's school transportation community with the goal of providing safe, secure, efficient, economical, and high-quality transportation to school children on their trips to and from school and school-related activities.
National School Transportation (NSTA) – Is the leading resource for school bus transportation solutions. Our member organizations will be recognized as providing the safest, most secure, environmentally-responsible, and cost-effective school bus transportation services.
With the rapid exodus of children from schools to homes last spring, it seemed only fair to offer schools and families some ‘grace’ while everyone was making the sudden adjustment to distance teaching and distance learning. While Child Protection Services has continued to respond to reports of suspected child abuse and neglect throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have now entered a new phase of varying models of teaching and learning, unique to each school district and family. The following guidance is offered around responding to reports of suspected child neglect involving educational neglect.
Guidance:
A school should first assure they are meeting all requirements set forth by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the North Dakota Department of Health for safeguarding the health and safety of students.
North Dakota Compulsory Attendance law (N.D.C.C. 15.1-20-03) charges each teacher and administrator with enforcement of compulsory school attendance provisions, which include the school administrator’s review into the cause of absences. The administrator may determine educational neglect if:
- A child is without proper education;
- The reason for absences is not due primarily to a lack of financial means;
- A person responsible for ensuring that the student is in attendance has not made substantial and reasonable efforts to comply with the requirements; and
There is reasonable cause to suspect that absences are due to actions or inactions by a person responsible for a child’s welfare.
The school shall review the cause of absences prior to reporting educational neglect as specified in N.D.C.C. 15.1-20-03. Educational neglect should not be reported when the person responsible for ensuring that the student is in attendance has made substantial and reasonable efforts to comply with the requirements but is unable to compel the student to attend school.
Since each school district is required to define an excused absence and is required to document a verbal or written excuse supplied by the student's parent, teacher, or school administrator that may be requested to verify a student's absence, documentation of excused absences (as well an attendance record) must be provided at the time educational neglect is reported or within 48 hours of making a report as required by N.D.C.C. 50-25.1-04.
At the same time, schools must define distance learning during COVID-19 what “school engagement” looks like to them.
- When school attendance processes have changed, student engagement remains paramount. During COVID-19 disruption, school districts and administrators should make sure regular connections are made with students and families.
- Teachers and support staff should connect with all students to maintain their relationships, assist with issues and concerns related to assignments, and encourage full participation in continued learning opportunities.
- Schools should identify students who were chronically absent pre-COVID-19 or otherwise identify, as required, additional needed support and determine if support can be provided in any way, including virtually.
- School administrators and support staff should reach out to students who are not signing into online learning or engaging in other continued learning opportunities.
Educational Neglect:
Educational neglect should be reported to Child Protection Services in your local Human Service Zone. This report may be concurrent with the reporting requirement for law enforcement.
When reporting suspected educational neglect, keep in mind that Child Protection Services can only become involved for reports of reasonable suspicion of non-compliance with the state’s compulsory school attendance law and not for any other reason, such as non-compliance with school policies or School District plans.
In addition to demographic information concerning the child, such as name, date of birth, race, etc. along with the parents’/caregivers’ names, address and contact information, other information that may be requested when speaking with Child Protection Intake includes:
- Would the school be willing to go to the home if needed with CPS staff in the human service zone?
- Are there any safety concerns?
(i.e. weapons, gang affiliations, pets, etc.)
- Describe the nature and extent of the suspected educational neglect, including any available information on siblings
- What did the child say about the concerns?
- How is this harming the child(ren)? How was the child(ren) affected?
- What behavior is the child displaying?
- How frequently is this happening?
- How safe does the reporter believe the child is right now? In the near future?
- What do you think should happen/what made you decide to call today?
- Is the parent/caregiver aware of the situation? Has the reporter talked to the parent/caregiver about the concerns?
- Who else was present? Who else knows about the situation? Who else might have useful information? What information might this person have? Do you have contact information for these individuals?
- Has there been any law enforcement involvement?
- Who are the family’s natural supports? (friends or family members if known)
- Has the reporter or others tried to help the family? In what ways?
- Describe any current or past involvement with services (if known) Who are/were the service providers and what services are/were being received/for whom? (if known)
- What was the outcome of the services they have previously received? (if known)
- Are there other stressors in the family? (if known)
- What are the strengths of the family? (if known)
- Are there other concerns?
- Describe any action taken by the reporter.
- The willingness of the reporter to share with the family his/her role in initiating the report or to participate in the assessment process (if appropriate)?
Helpful Sections of the child abuse and neglect law:
- N.D.C.C. 50-25.1-02(1). Definitions.
14. "Neglected child" means a child who, due to the action or inaction of a person responsible for the child's welfare:
- a. Is without proper care or control, subsistence, education as required by law, or other care or control necessary for the child's physical, mental, or emotional health, or morals, and is not due primarily to the lack of financial means of a person responsible for the child’s welfare];
- a. Is without proper care or control, subsistence, education as required by law, or other care or control necessary for the child's physical, mental, or emotional health, or morals, and is not due primarily to the lack of financial means of a person responsible for the child’s welfare];
- 50-25.1-04. Method of reporting.
All persons mandated or permitted to report cases of known or suspected child abuse or neglect shall immediately cause oral or written reports to be made to the department or the department's designee. Oral reports must be followed by written reports within forty-eight hours if so requested by the department or the department's designee. A requested written report must include information specifically sought by the department if the reporter possesses or has reasonable access to that information. Reports involving known or suspected institutional child abuse or neglect must be made and received in the same manner as all other reports made under this chapter.
For questions or more information on educational neglect in North Dakota, please contact:
Joe Kolosky, Director Office of School Approval & Opportunity |
|