A Message from Superintendent Levi Bachmeier
As we enter NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) testing season, I want to personally thank our participating elementary and middle schools and underscore why this assessment matters so much for North Dakota.
NAEP is one of the most credible and powerful data points we have, and it is frequently brought up in my conversations with legislators and the public when we discuss the strength of our schools. North Dakota consistently performs at a high level nationally, and these results directly influence conversations around school funding, local control, and public trust, conversations that are especially important right now as property tax reform continues.
I am not asking schools to shift focus to test preparation or deprioritize instruction. Rather, my request is simple but critical: help students understand that this assessment matters and encourage them to give their best effort. When students give their best effort, NAEP accurately reflects what they know, and their results highlight the excellence in our classrooms.
Many students respond well to a sense of purpose and healthy competition. Letting them know that North Dakota has an opportunity to be one of the top states (or even the #1 state) in the nation can be a powerful motivator. Their effort helps show the country how capable they are and how valuable North Dakota educators to our schools and communities.
The NAEP testing window opens in less than two weeks and runs through mid-March. I appreciate your partnership and commitment, and if there is anything my office or NDDPI can do to support your schools during this window, I am always ready to listen.
I would also love to learn from you. If your school or district uses creative or effective methods to motivate students before assessments, I invite you to email me your examples! With your permission, we will highlight these ideas through NDDPI communication channels so others can learn from what’s working across the state.
Thank you for your continued leadership and support of North Dakota students.
District Feedback Requested: Presidential Fitness Test
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction is requesting feedback from school districts regarding participation in the Presidential Fitness Test (PFT). Superintendents are asked to complete a short survey by Jan. 20, 2026.
This request coincides with recent action by the Rural Health Transformation Committee, as legislation related to the PFT is officially moving forward. As part of North Dakota’s application for Rural Health Transformation funding, the state is required to commit to a PFT-related requirement.
It is important to note that there is currently no federally recognized Presidential Fitness Test, and federal rules outlining testing requirements have not yet been issued. As a result, there is no immediate mandate for schools, and districts should not expect required implementation during the current school year. NDDPI is working with the Governor’s Office on an amendment to set an effective date of July 1, 2027, allowing time for federal guidance and further stakeholder input.
District input will help inform state decision-making and future implementation planning. Additional feedback opportunities will be provided once federal guidance is available.
Human Trafficking Commission Seeks Education Representatives
Pursuant to House Bill 1308, the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office is establishing a Human Trafficking Commission to strengthen statewide prevention, awareness, and response efforts.
The commission will be made up of representatives from state, local, and tribal agencies; nonprofit organizations that work with victims; and individuals with relevant expertise, including survivors. The group will meet three times per year and will focus on:
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Collecting and evaluating data on human trafficking in North Dakota
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Promoting awareness and providing information to educators and the general public
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Supporting training on human trafficking prevention
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Facilitating annual prevention and awareness education for students related to human trafficking and exploitation
As part of the commission’s required membership, two individuals will be appointed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction:
Educators or administrators interested in being considered are encouraged to complete the interest form.
BRIDGE Updates
Continued SIS Support During the Transition to Infinite Campus
NDIT’s EduTech team has provided tremendous value to NDDPI and directly to districts over the years, including comprehensive Student Information System (SIS) technical support and training. While the primary provider of SIS support and training transitions to Infinite Campus, NDIT’s EduTech team wants to reassure districts that the other support and training services they provide will be unaffected by the statewide transition.
NDDPI’s contract with EduTech for SIS support services remains in place through June 30. During this time, EduTech will continue to support districts, including providing critical year-end closeout assistance. Districts will also continue to have the option to partner with EduTech for non-Infinite Campus technology and support services beyond that date. Districts are encouraged to contact the EduTech team directly for more detailed information on available services.
NDDPI looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with NDIT’s EduTech team and is confident that Infinite Campus’ award-winning support team, based in Minnesota, will provide the high-quality SIS support and training districts have come to expect.
Required PowerSchool Year-End Processes
All districts are required to complete end-of-year processes in PowerSchool. These steps are tied to state reporting requirements and are essential to ensuring districts are properly positioned for a smooth and accurate data migration to Infinite Campus. Completing these processes on time helps support reporting accuracy and reduces the risk of data issues during migration.
Office Hours
BRIDGE Office Hours provide districts with direct access to implementation support and timely answers to questions related to SIS onboarding and data migration. Partners from Infinite Campus (SIS) and Consultadd (data migration) will participate in both sessions, allowing districts to engage directly with the teams supporting this work.
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