View as a webpage  /  Share

NDDPI Messenger

June 5, 2025

BRIDGE: Preparing for Change Management

As North Dakota moves forward with BRIDGE, our K-12 data modernization solution, it’s essential for districts to begin preparing for the changes that will come with the new Infinite Campus Student Information System (SIS) and associated data systems. The transition to a modernized system represents a significant shift in how student data is collected, stored, and shared across the state.

Key Steps for Districts

1. Understanding the Impact: The adoption of BRIDGE will streamline processes and create a unified system for tracking and reporting data. However, change requires careful planning. Administrators should prepare to guide their teams through this transformation, ensuring that all educators, staff, and technology teams are ready to embrace the new system. NDDPI is working on preparing communication tools to support you in this transition.
2. Training and Professional Development: Training is critical. Administrators should encourage staff to participate in upcoming training sessions and familiarize themselves with new workflows. Information on training opportunities will be provided, so keep an eye on communications from NDDPI to stay updated.
3. Communication is Key: Change can be overwhelming, and effective communication helps alleviate uncertainty. Administrators should foster open lines of communication with all stakeholders, from technology coordinators to educators, ensuring everyone understands their role in the transition process.
4. Data Preparedness: One of the early steps administrators can take is to begin reviewing their district’s data quality. Clean, accurate data is essential for a smooth transition to Infinite Campus. A proactive approach now will make the switch easier down the road.
5. Planning for Support: The support system for Infinite Campus will be robust, but administrators should also anticipate questions and challenges from staff during the implementation. Preparing a local support network and identifying key personnel to act as change champions within the district will be invaluable.

As the BRIDGE project progresses, remember that preparation and proactive engagement are key to a successful transition. For the most up-to-date data modernization information, visit our homepage. You can also email us at bridge@nd.gov.

OTHER UPDATES

Apply Now for FY 2025 SRSA Funding: Deadline Approaching!

The FY 2025 SRSA application is now open, offering crucial funding to eligible Local Education Agencies (LEAs) under the U.S. Department of Education’s Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP). The application window closes on June 13, 2025, which is a shorter period than in previous years, so timely submission is vital.

Key Points to Remember:

• Eligibility: Only SRSA-eligible LEAs with a positive estimated allocation are eligible for funding. These LEAs must complete the application by the June 13 deadline.

• Dual-Eligibility: LEAs eligible for both SRSA and RLIS must choose one. If SRSA is not selected, the LEA will automatically be placed in the RLIS cohort.

• Application Link: Invitations containing a unique application link will be sent to 4,492 eligible LEAs via email.

• UEI Registration: A validated and active UEI registration is required to access funds, so ensure your LEA's registration is active in the G5 system.

The SRSA program provides essential funding to support rural education, and applying for this grant can significantly impact educational resources. Ensure your LEA takes advantage of this opportunity before the deadline! For support with completing your SRSA application, please contact your REAP Program Officer at kwaechter@nd.gov or REAP@ed.gov.

Last Chance to Share Your Feedback!

If you haven’t already, there’s still time to take our survey! Your input is crucial to helping the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) improve how we communicate with YOU. Whether you’re an educator, parent, student, or community member, your thoughts will directly shape how we share information and keep you informed.

By completing the survey, you’ll help us better understand your needs and ensure our communication is clear, relevant, and effective.

Don’t miss out – your voice matters!

Thank you for taking the time to help us make NDDPI communication better for everyone!

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Consolidated Application Narrative Section Due Soon!

The Consolidated Application narrative section is open in WebGrants for all districts with an approved Intent to Apply. The deadline to complete the narrative section is Thursday, June 26, at 5 p.m. CDT.

To access the narrative section, navigate to "Funding Opportunities," click "57645 Consolidated Application 2025-2026," and you will see your Pre-Application (i.e., Intent to Apply). Select “Create Final Application” on the far right to begin completing the narrative section. If you don’t see the option to create the final application, your intent has not been approved and was most likely negotiated back for revisions. Check your WebGrants alerts or contact Lauri Nord for assistance.

The following Consolidated Application resources are available:

• Consolidated Application Training Webinar Recording
• Consolidated Application Training Slide Deck

Consolidated Application Budgets are due Thursday, Aug. 28, at 5 p.m. CDT. Budgets will be created when final allocations are released from the U.S. Department of Education and NDDPI approves the Consolidated Application narrative. Some of the Title programs' Estimated 2025-2026 Federal Title Allocations have been released and posted on the Consolidated Application webpage. Please use the estimates when planning for the budgeting process.

If you have any questions regarding the Intent to Apply for Federal Title Funding process, please contact Lauri Nord at (701) 328-2282.

Teacher Effectiveness Reporting Guidance

The 2024-2025 Teacher Effectiveness Report is due by June 30, 2025. In accordance with North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) 15.1-15-01, all teacher evaluations were to be completed by April 15, 2025.

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), states are required to report on the effectiveness of teachers. To streamline this process, North Dakota has established a system to calculate the number of ineffective teachers in each school, rather than directly labeling teachers as effective or ineffective.

A teacher is considered ineffective within a specific element or component if they are rated at Level One (or zero) on that aspect of their evaluation. Schools are given flexibility to choose the number of elements they will evaluate their teachers on.

For full instructions on how to report teacher effectiveness data in the STARS system, please refer to this guidance. For additional information or questions pertaining to teacher reporting under ESSA, contact Ross Roemmich at (701) 328-2189. 

Choice Ready Report Due June 30

The deadline for submitting the 2024-2025 Choice Ready report is fast approaching—June 30, 2025. It is essential that every public high school in North Dakota submits a Choice Ready report to secure points for the state accountability system. This report accounts for 21% of the overall school accountability rating and is worth 129 points in the 2024-2025 School Accountability Report, which will be released in October 2025.

Important Reminder: Seniors must be set to graduate prior to submitting the Choice Ready report.

For further guidance, click here.

Questions about Choice Ready?
Contact:

• Laurie Matzke
  Chief, Program Development & Growth
  (701) 328-2284

• Ross Roemmich
  Director, MIS
  (701) 328-2189

• Amanda Wilson
  SIS Specialist, EduTech
  (701) 328-4163
  

The NDDPI Messenger is sent out on a weekly or as-needed basis. Visit our website to view previous NDDPI Messenger/Weekly Blast bulletins.