|
BRIDGE Update
This week’s BRIDGE update includes several important announcements regarding End‑of‑Year processes, Summer School preparation, data migration cleanup, data‑sharing agreements, training opportunities, and upcoming BRIDGE Office Hours. Full details are available in the linked article.
|
|
Cognia Improvement Platform Transition
All North Dakota state contract members who currently access tools and resources through our existing platform will transition to the new Cognia Improvement Platform. This includes state agency leaders, district leaders, and school-level users who engage with improvement planning, surveys, evaluations, and reporting tools.
What's Changing?
Cognia is launching an enhanced Improvement Platform designed to provide a more unified, intuitive experience. Members will now be able to access key tools in one connected space with improved navigation, stronger reporting, and expanded capabilities to support continuous improvement. This transition reflects our commitment to modernizing the member experience while strengthening how districts and schools observe, evaluate, learn, and improve.
North Dakota Go-Live Date: March 16
- Users will receive a welcome email with login instructions and access details.
- Updated Quick Start and User Guides will be available on the NDDPI partnership page.
Training:
- State-specific sessions are being scheduled in Bismarck (April 14), Dickinson (April 15), Williston (April 16), Minot (April 17), Fargo/West Fargo (April 21), and Grand Forks (April 22).
If you have any technical questions regarding the Cognia Improvement Platform, please email the Client Care Center or call 1-888-413-3669 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT.
State Update: Strategy Map Due Date Adjustment
To better support school year planning and align with other NDDPI reporting timelines, particularly as we transition to the enhanced Cognia Improvement Platform, the Office of School Approval & Opportunity will be moving the annual Strategy Map due date from June 1 to Sept. 1 beginning this year and continuing moving forward.
This adjustment is intended to provide additional flexibility for districts and schools as they finalize plans for the upcoming year using the most current data and staffing context.
Please note that plans may still be completed in the system earlier at any time. Districts and schools are welcome to continue developing their Strategy Maps in the spring or summer if that best supports local planning needs.
For questions regarding strategic plan requirements for school approval, please contact the Office of School Approval.
|
|
Phones in Focus Survey Results
Thank you to the North Dakota educators who shared their insights in the Phones in Focus survey. Your feedback provides invaluable perspective on how mobile devices impact teaching, learning, and student well‑being across North Dakota.
Results are now accessible for every school and district with five or more educator responses. You can review the data here.
Your input arrives at an important moment as North Dakota implements House Bill 1160, which requires bell‑to‑bell phone‑free K–12 public schools. The survey results help inform this work by highlighting classroom realities, supporting consistent implementation, and guiding statewide support for schools.
Thank you again for lending your voices to this effort. Your participation strengthens policies that promote focus, connection, and meaningful learning for all students.
|
|
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES |
|
Upcoming PowerSchool Scheduling Sessions
As districts begin preparing for the upcoming scheduling cycle, several PowerSchool training opportunities are available to help teams get ready. Whether you're returning to PowerScheduler, need support loading your schedules, or are working through early scheduling at the elementary or high school level, these sessions offer guided assistance to ensure a smooth process.
Webinar: Using Amira for Dyslexia Screening
Date: March 3, 2026
Time: 3:30–4:30 p.m. CT
Amira and NDDPI are hosting a webinar to demonstrate the Dyslexia Screener option available in Amira. Representatives will explain how the tool meets North Dakota’s requirement to provide a dyslexia screener for all enrolled students age seven and younger. The session will cover assessment administration, interpreting reports, and will include time for questions.
For questions, contact Brenda Ehrmantraut.
Webinar: AP Exam Fee Reimbursement
Date: March 3, 2026
Time: 3:30–4:30 p.m. CT
Join us for a webinar designed to guide AP Coordinators and Business Managers through the AP Exam Fee Reimbursement process. This session will cover key responsibilities, timelines, required forms, and the platform used to complete reimbursements. Participants will also receive helpful guidance and resources to support each step of the process.
|
|
2026 Northern Dakota Personalized Learning Institute
The North Dakota Personalized Learning Network (ND PLN), in partnership with Northern Cass, invites educators to the 2026 Northern Dakota Personalized Learning Institute, held June 10–11, 2026, at Northern Cass School in Hunter, North Dakota.
This two-day institute features national and regional experts sharing practical strategies and real-world examples of personalized learning in action. Participants will engage in keynotes, breakout sessions, small-group collaboration, and coaching—leaving with an actionable plan to support personalized learning in their schools.
The conference is designed for administrators, teachers, and specialists, with sessions relevant across roles and content areas.
Registration: $170 per person ($145 per person for groups of five or more)
Optional graduate credit is available separately through Valley City State University and North Dakota State University.
|
|
 2026 North Dakota Poetry Out Loud finalists from left to right: 4th–Madison Vick, Bismarck High; 2nd–Adalyn Picken, Wahpeton High; 1st–Aspen Geist, Wyndmere Public School; 3rd–DeLainis Kroh, Mandan High; 5th–Sawyer Wilhelmi, Starkweather School
North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) this week announced that Aspen Geist of Wyndmere Public School is the 2026 State Champion and first place winner of the North Dakota State Poetry Out Loud® (POL) contest. Adalyn Picken of Wahpeton High School received second place honors with third place awarded to DeLainis Kroh of Mandan High School.
All contestants received a swag bag stuffed full of goodies, which included a certificate of participation. First place winner Aspen Geist received a trophy, a medallion, $200, and an all-expenses-paid trip (with an adult chaperone) to Washington, D.C., April 27-29, to compete at the National Finals. Wyndmere Public School received a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry books and the honor of displaying the POL Traveling Trophy. Second place winner Adalyn Picken received a trophy, a medallion, and $100, with Wahpeton High School receiving $200.
|
|
|
The NDDPI Messenger is sent out on a weekly or as-needed basis. Visit our website to view previous NDDPI Messenger/Weekly Blast bulletins.
|
|
|
|
|
