Submit All ARP ESSER Reimbursement Claims by December 16

Mark your calendars and submit your final ARP ESSER reimbursement claims in WebGrants by December 16, 2024.  All reimbursements must be reviewed and processed for payout by December 31, 2024, unless a school district has applied for late liquidation. Submissions entered after December 16, 2024, may not be processed before the final deadline. 

ESSER Fact Sheets & Videos

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) released a collection of fact sheets highlighting national State Education Agency (SEA) spending trends and examples of ESSER-funded programs that are having an impact in states across the country. Available here, these fact sheets cover topics ranging from high-impact tutoring to teacher recruitment initiatives. They also recently released a series of videos that tell the stories of ESSER investments in three states. 

Registered Apprenticeship Program for Teachers (RAP-T)

In the past two issues of our Weekly Blast, we have had articles on the ND Registered Apprenticeship Program for teachers (RAP-T).

We want to share the following two updated resources that may also help answer questions and provide clarification.

• RAP-T Flyer
• Grow Your Own (GYO) Q&A for LEAs

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) will be releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a round five funding opportunity within the next few weeks. Any districts that have paraprofessionals that are interested in becoming a licensed teacher should reach out to one of these six universities, as there may be vacant spots available in their Registered Apprenticeship Program for Teachers.

Utilizing Lead Teachers within Strategic School Staffing Models

North Dakota received approval for a Registered Apprenticeship Program for Teachers (RAP-T) and secured $4.1 million in SAEF grant funding through the USDOL to address our teacher shortage. Simultaneously, the NDDPI, in partnership with the Fargo and Northern Cass Public School Districts and Arizona State University (ASU), is working to launch ASU's Next Education Workforce opportunities across the state. This model reimagines how educators collaborate and deliver instruction to students by emphasizing team-based staffing.

We see a unique opportunity to blend this ASU initiative with our RAP-T program. The apprentices in our RAP-T are future teachers in North Dakota. Along with current teachers, these apprentices form an ideal pool of educators to train in ASU's Strategic Staffing model. This past fall, a session at the AASPA conference highlighted the NDDPI's RAP-T program, our plans for ASU's Next Education Workforce, and how we are aligning this work. The PowerPoint presentation regarding this is available here. 

A virtual 2025 Strategic School Staffing Summit, hosted by Arizona State University's Next Education Workforce is taking place on February 5-6, 2025. Register here to engage with other leaders who are building, researching, and supporting team-based models, and explore real-world examples of what it takes to scale strategic school staffing nationwide. NDDPI will be presenting our work at this event.

Business Manager Q&A Update

The NDDPI will hold the quarterly TEAMS meeting on Wednesday, December 18, at 11:00 AM CT.

NDDPI staff will give a general overview of ledgers, correcting entries, and documenting expenditures. If time allows and you have additional questions or topics you would like to discuss, please email Shauna Greff by Monday, December 16.

To participate:

• Click here to join on your computer or mobile app
• Or call in (audio only): 701-328-0950, 243399572#

US Department of Education (USED) Releases New Title II Guidance

In early December, the USED released new guidance for Title II programming. This document advises how Title II, Part A funds can help implement strategic policies, address educator shortages, and provide educators and students with the resources they need to thrive. This includes using Title II, Part A funds to support strategies related to improving compensation and working conditions, expanding pathways into the profession, providing induction and professional learning, offering educator leadership and career advancement opportunities, and promoting educator diversity. This guidance document can be found on the NDDPI website under “Resources and Guidance.”

The NDDPI will take this guidance into consideration as it develops additional resources for schools and districts across North Dakota.

Course Codes Application Deadline is February 3

Requests for new course codes for the 2025-2026 school year are due on Monday, February 3, 2025. Schools wishing to request that we add new course codes for the 2025-2026 school year can do so by completing and submitting the New Course Code Request Application (SFN 60065). Please contact Jim Upgren at (701) 328-2244 with any questions.

Mandated Reporting Training

As of December 1, a total of 13,662 educators have completed the legislatively enacted Mandated Reporter Training. We at NDDPI want to thank you for your dedication and support in keeping students safe. The training is open year-round, so if you or your staff have not completed it, there is still time. The training can be found here under the “Educators” tab.

As a reminder, if there is an allegation of child abuse and neglect in your school, it is imperative that the first thing to do is fill out and submit the State Form 960. Submitting this form will trigger a two-prong investigation. Child Protection Service (CPS) workers will work in conjunction with law enforcement if there is a criminal violation. CPS will work with the school to conduct interviews and review policies and procedures regarding student safety. CPS workers are trained in forensic interview techniques to ensure they do not tamper with or corrupt potential evidence if a criminal offense has taken place. Remember, “When in doubt, fill it out.”

You can submit the 960 Form via email at cpsintakeunit@nd.gov or call the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at (833) 958-3500. IMPORTANT: If it is an emergency and a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

If you have questions, please contact Joe Kolosky at (701) 328-2755.

Healthy Return to Learn Plans

We have received several questions regarding the ESSER-mandated Healthy Return to Learn Plans. These plans were required during the pandemic when schools incorporated distance learning.

The plans had to be publicly accessible by being published on district and school websites. With ESSER funds drawing down and nearly all expended, the question has been raised if districts still must make these plans publicly posted.

The answer to this question is no. However, the Healthy Return to Learn Plans must still be available for auditing purposes until 2030. Do not discard or delete your Healthy Return to Learn Plans. Instead, file them and have them available upon request.

If you have any questions, please contact Joe Kolosky at (701) 328-2755.

Jump Start to Kindergarten

Jump Start to Kindergarten is an optional program designed to support school transitions and is available to all approved or public-school districts.

Starting kindergarten can be a challenging transition for young learners as they adjust to new routines, rules, and expectations. While programs like Head Start, Waterford Upstart Early Learning Program, Best in Class, Early Childhood Special Education, and other early childhood initiatives are designed to support this transition, some children have had little experience in educational settings.

To further assist schools in the kindergarten onboarding process, the NDDPI is offering a helpful resource that schools may not be aware of. Schools can enroll incoming kindergarteners in their existing summer school programs and qualify for summer foundation aid. This opportunity allows schools to collaborate with families, introduce the basics of kindergarten standards, and familiarize students with the rules and routines of public school before the official school year begins. This initiative is referred to as Jumpstart to Kindergarten.

Participation in this program is voluntary, depending on the needs of the school and available staffing. Teachers must be licensed to teach kindergarten, and, as with other elementary summer school programs, enrollment policies are determined locally.

If you have any questions, please contact Joe Kolosky at (701) 328-2755.

New Schools, CTE Centers, and Grade Configuration

New schools and CTE centers must be approved by the NDDPI. Here are the requirements:

Required Information:

• Signed board minutes approving the new school or CTE center, including the name and grade configuration
• Name of the school and its type (public, non-public, or CTE center)
• School address (please provide the mailing address if different)
• Grade configuration
• Certification of Occupancy (if a new building) or Fire Inspection
• Name of the principal (if available)
• Phone number
• School district or CTE center personnel must forward this information to Joe Kolosky

Grade Configuration:

The NDDPI requires approved and signed school board minutes that detail any changes in grade configuration. Here's an example:

• Elementary School A is currently configured as a K-6 school
• High School B is configured as a 7-12 school
• The board has voted to reconfigure Elementary School A as a K-7 school and High School B as an 8-12 school

School district personnel must forward the approved board meeting minutes outlining these changes to Joe Kolosky.

Deadline:

Updates to new schools/CTE centers and all grade configuration changes must be sent by April 1, 2025, to Joe Kolosky, Director of the Office of School Approval & Opportunity.

Reading Curriculum and Professional Development STARS Report Review Results Webinar

The NDDPI and the NDREAs are hosting a webinar to explain the Reading Curriculum and Professional Development report review process and provide guidance on planning for your next report. Email notifications of report approval status will be sent to building principals for any reports reviewed this year. Watch your email this week for the results.

This webinar will be particularly useful for schools that received a one or two-year approval. You can join either of the webinars using this link here:

• Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 9:00 AM CT
• Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM CT

Please contact Brenda Ehrmantraut with any questions. You may also find the webinar link on the ND Science of Reading website.

DLC State Affiliate Training on NDCDE Military Pathway Program

The North Dakota Center for Distance Education (NDCDE) invites you to a Digital Learning Collaborative (DLC) State Affiliate session on the Military Pathway Program (MPP). This informational session will provide an in-depth look at the program’s structure and benefits, designed to prepare high school students for military careers.

We will also discuss the challenges districts face in helping students achieve Choice Ready status and gathering insights to guide NDCDE’s future support initiatives.

Training Details:

• Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM CT
• Join the meeting via this Zoom link 

What You’ll Learn:

• Overview of the Military Pathway Program and its alignment with the Choice Ready framework.
• How the program equips students with leadership skills, career preparation, and physical and mental resiliency.
• The role of the North Dakota National Guard in shaping and delivering this program.

Searching for an Evidence-Based Transition Curriculum?

University Startups (USU) is offering a free pilot program to North Dakota schools. USU provides courses, tools, and support to students to empower them on their pathways to higher education and better careers. USU also offers coaching for teachers and includes a parent portal. This program can be modified to accommodate all learners. For more information, contact Erica Beard or schedule a call with her here.

School-Based Intervention Support

The North Dakota Juvenile Justice State Advisory Group is offering a grant opportunity to support schools and surrounding communities with school-based interventions. Due to the over-representation of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) in the juvenile justice system, proposals containing interventions that focus on ensuring equal access to services, creating cultural competence, and/or community connections and support for BIPOC youth and families will be given priority.

More information, including the RFP and application, can be found here. 

Personal Device Policies Playbook

Last week, the US Office of Educational Technology released “Planning Together: A Playbook for Student Personal Device Policies,” a resource to support states, districts, and schools in designing policies for the use of cell phones and personal devices in schools. 

Family Code Camp: A Model for Family Engagement in Computer Science

During Computer Science Education Week (December 9-16), North Dakota is celebrated the success of its Family Code Camp initiative. In September 2024, CSisElementary hosted 90-minute interactive sessions introducing K-5 students and their families to coding and the state’s new Computer Science and Cybersecurity (CSCS) Standards. Over 3,000 participants attended events at 50 elementary schools, with resources reaching an additional 10,000 families, boosting awareness of the state's CSCS initiatives.

The program's impact is clear: 98% of surveyed families view CSCS education as important, and many schools saw increased demand for follow-up events like STEAM Nights and coding clubs. For instance, Longfellow Elementary in Fargo enlisted 16 volunteers to launch a student coding program. Statewide, 100% of participants expressed interest in future family engagement events.

Family Code Camp showcases how computer science can strengthen home-school connections and prepare students for a digital future. Schools are encouraged to sustain this momentum by hosting Family Code Nights and similar events, fostering continued interest in Computer Science, AI, and STEM education.

For more information, contact Marisa@CSisElementary.org.

Spring 2025 Civic Innovators Fellowship Opportunity

Civics Unplugged is accepting applications for its Spring 2025 Civic Innovators Fellowship. This 8-week digital program blends history, civics, and technology to equip high school students to create community solutions. Graduated Fellows and expert staff guide discussions on topics like urban design and AI. Completing the fellowship grants access to a community of civic innovators, networking opportunities, and a chance to attend in-person Civic Innovation Academies this summer.

The deadline to apply is January 31, 2025, at 10:59 PM CT. The program starts February 9, 2025. For questions, email admissions@civicsunplugged.org.

Participation Requested for 2025-27 OMB Legal Notice Rate Survey

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is requesting your participation in the Newspaper Legal Notice Rate Survey, due by Friday, December 13. Your feedback is crucial for the proposed rate increase of 3.25% for both FY2026 and FY2027. The rates have not changed since July 1, 2021. OMB conducts this survey biennially as required by law (NDCC Section 46-05-03). For questions, contact Sara Bilden at (701) 328-0819.

K-12 Literacy Grant Funding Opportunity now Available  

The NDDPI released the application for the ND Comprehensive Literacy Improvement through Measured Building Systems Grant (ND CLIMBS) on November 18, 2024. The Funding Opportunity, application, webinar, and related documents are published on the ND CLIMBS Webpage. This grant is available to elementary and secondary public schools in North Dakota and is awarded to improve literacy for children birth through grade 12. An opportunity for the birth through age five grants will be released in January of 2025. Applications are due January 25, 2025.

If you have questions, please contact Brenda Ehrmantraut.

Training on Developing Quantitative Arguments Workshop

The NDDPI is excited to sponsor a virtual workshop for high school science, mathematics, and computer science educators (AP, Dual Credit, High School Math, Science, or Computer Science) on developing quantitative arguments.

WHEN: January 15, 2025

TIME: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM CT

COST: All registration costs are covered by the NDDPI

In this workshop, participants will learn how to help students analyze and interpret quantitative data effectively. Topics will include assessing student abilities to interpret quantitative arguments, identifying common learner misconceptions, utilizing AP Exam rubrics to reinforce skills, and implementing strategies to enhance data analysis and interpretation skills.

Registration for this workshop can be found here.  Registration closes January 2, 2025.

If you have questions about these training opportunities, please contact Davonne Eldredge at (701) 328-4525.

Training Opportunity on the Constitution and North Dakota Court System

The North Dakota Supreme Court is offering free professional development for Social Studies teachers in grades 8-12 on October 16-17, 2025. This training will focus on the Constitution and North Dakota Court System, teaching educators how to implement mock trials and moot court. A video with further details about this training is available here.

Participants will receive one graduate credit through the University of North Dakota, with fees covered by the program. More information is available on the North Dakota Supreme Court Justices Teaching Institute webpage. Applications are due by May 1, 2025.

For further details, contact Bryan Pechtl.

North Dakota Cognia IMPACT Conference

WHEN: April 16-17, 2025

WHERE: Bismarck Event Center, 315 S 5th St., Bismarck, ND 58504

WHAT: Cognia® invites you to the IMPACT conference, where you will invest in your own growth—as leaders and teachers—and continue your investment in the growth of your students.

We invite you to submit a proposal for a best practice to share with the NDDPI | Cognia IMPACT attendees. Proposal submissions are now open!