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 NDDPI, Partners Honored for Military Readiness Program
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, in partnership with the North Dakota Center for Distance Education and the North Dakota National Guard, received the Prairie Pheasant Flush Award at the Governor’s Public Service Awards on Sept. 29.
The award recognizes the state’s launch of the nation’s first fully operational, comprehensive military readiness program, an initiative designed to better prepare students for life after graduation, particularly those pursuing a career in the military.
The program was developed in response to data showing that too few students were meeting the military portion of the Choice Ready framework. Drawing inspiration from a military preparation model in another state, the partnering agencies jointly developed a North Dakota-specific solution.
Key milestones include:
- Development of a rigorous, relevant curriculum aligned with military pathways
- Passing of legislation aligning the program with state scholarship requirements
- Legislative approval for a dedicated National Guard liaison
In just two months, two of the five planned courses have launched, with more than 50 students already enrolled and actively pursuing National Guard service pathways.
A unique feature of the program is the integration of National Guard recruiters as embedded learning coaches. These coaches support students throughout their coursework, creating an early and supportive pipeline into military service.
Expanded Accreditation and Continuous Improvement Support for North Dakota Schools
NDDPI is pleased to share two important updates to support schools in their accreditation and continuous improvement efforts.
- First, the application process for alternative accreditation vendors is now open. Nationally recognized organizations may apply to be included on the state-approved list, in accordance with Senate Bill 2362, passed during the 69th Legislative Assembly. This provides schools with additional options for meeting accreditation standards that align with their instructional goals.
- Second, NDDPI has expanded its support for public schools by fully funding a wide range of Cognia services. These services are designed to strengthen school improvement efforts and are now available at no cost to public schools.
Accreditation in North Dakota: A Quick Overview
Cognia is currently the state-contracted accreditation provider, and public schools may access its services at no cost. Schools may also choose an alternative accreditation vendor from the state-approved list. However, schools selecting an alternative provider are responsible for all associated costs.
Important Considerations
While accreditation is not required by state law, schools should be aware of the following:
- J-1 visa teachers may only work in accredited schools. Schools that host or plan to host J-1 teachers must maintain accreditation.
- Some colleges and universities require high school graduates to come from accredited schools for admission or scholarship eligibility.
What’s Included in State-Funded Cognia Services?
NDDPI now fully funds the following Cognia accreditation and continuous improvement services for public schools:
- In-person reviews for accreditation
- All in-person training costs related to accreditation and strategic thinking and planning
- Access to online webinars and labs focused on strategic planning
In addition, Diagnostic Reviews are now available at no cost to all schools. These include on-site visits, coaching, and actionable reports to support continuous improvement efforts.
More information, including eligibility criteria, application instructions, and timelines, is available on the NDDPI website.
Contact Information
- For questions about Cognia Accreditation or Diagnostic Review services, contact Erica Quale.
- For questions about the application process or vendor approval, contact Arlene Wolf in the Office of School Approval and Opportunity.
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Infinite Campus Implementation and BRIDGE Office Hours: Key October Updates for LEAs
Infinite Campus Engagements with LEAs Begin This Month
We are approaching the next step in the statewide rollout of Infinite Campus. Beginning this month, Infinite Campus project managers will initiate direct engagement with local education agencies (LEAs) to launch the implementation process.
Infinite Campus project managers will reach out to LEAs with more than 250 students by Oct. 15. Remaining LEAs will be contacted by Oct. 31.
The purpose of the initial contact is to introduce districts to the Infinite Campus project manager assigned to their implementation, provide helpful information about the implementation process, and schedule the initial meeting to officially begin implementation.
BRIDGE Office Hours
📅 Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 12 p.m. or 4 p.m. CDT (via Microsoft Teams)
Join us for BRIDGE Office Hours! These open forums are designed for LEA personnel to get real-time answers about the BRIDGE project. Attendees can:
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Submit questions directly
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Clarify project details
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Engage in conversation with the BRIDGE team
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Receive guidance on technical support, implementation, and upcoming milestones
🔗 Upcoming Sessions
🎥 Missed Last Week? View Recordings
October Is Substance Use Prevention Month
October is recognized as Youth Substance Use Prevention Month, a time to strengthen conversations, build resilience, and highlight positive choices for students.
The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services has developed school resources with lessons, activities, and tools to support prevention efforts in classrooms of all grade levels. Explore them here: Prevention Month School Resources.
Students can also make their voices visible in the community by entering The Power of Prevention Billboard Contest. Open to K–12 students, the contest invites youth to design creative prevention messages for public display. Details and templates are available at Parents Lead Billboard Contest.
Together, schools and families can help ensure prevention is seen, heard, and celebrated across North Dakota.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES |
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CollegeBoard Webinar: Counselor Tools and Strategies
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025
Time: 3:30–4:15 p.m. CDT
Join CollegeBoard for this informative webinar highlighting tools and strategies to help counselors support students. The session will feature:
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Key updates from the Fall Counselors Workshop
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Exam preparation guidance for the PSAT, SAT, and NMSQT
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An overview of BigFuture, CollegeBoard’s college and career planning tool
NDPLN Fall Learning Cycle: Accelerate Personalized Learning
The North Dakota Personalized Learning Network (NDPLN) is accepting applications for its fall coaching cycle—a six-week opportunity to help schools embed sustainable, student-centered practices.
What’s Included:
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Targeted coaching sessions (virtual + in-person)
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Peer collaboration with other North Dakota teams
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Six-week cycle: set goals → design → implement → reflect → share outcomes
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Focus on building student agency, mastery, and voice
Who Should Apply:
Cost:
Application Deadline: Oct. 10
📧 Contact Lori Phillips to apply.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATORS |
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Modern Ag STEM Kits: Applications Open for ND Classrooms
North Dakota middle and high school educators are invited to apply for modern agriculture STEM kits from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and the North Dakota Ag in the Classroom Program. These kits help students explore technology, sustainability, and the realities of today’s agriculture industry through hands-on learning.
What’s included
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Standards-aligned lesson plans from the National Ag in the Classroom Matrix
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Robotic kits to support coding, engineering, and problem-solving activities
Implementation timeline
Eligibility & availability
Application deadline: Oct. 31, 2025
Questions?
Contact Heather Lang, Agriculture Business Development Coordinator, at 701-328-2308 or 701-595-9120.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS |
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Free National Park Passes for ND 4th Grader
The USDA Forest Service – Dakota Prairie Grasslands (DPG) invites all 4th-grade teachers to introduce students to the Every Kid Outdoors program.
What it is: Every North Dakota 4th grader—and their family—can receive a free National Park Pass (an $80 value), valid through Aug. 31, 2026. The pass provides entry to national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other federal lands and waters.
Why it matters: It’s a no-cost, hands-on way for students to explore North Dakota’s prairie ecosystems, public lands, and American history—all while encouraging healthy outdoor recreation.
How to get the pass (teachers or families):
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Visit everykidoutdoors.gov
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Complete a short educational activity
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Print the voucher
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Exchange it at a Dakota Prairie Grasslands (DPG) office for the free pass
Share with families: Include the link in classroom newsletters and school websites; consider a quick lesson on local prairies or trip-planning tips to nearby federal lands.
Questions? Contact Scott Marvin at (701) 989-7330.
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The NDDPI Messenger is sent out on a weekly or as-needed basis. Visit our website to view previous NDDPI Messenger/Weekly Blast bulletins.
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