NESC Partners to Support and Scale Standards-Based Learning Across North Dakota
Standards-based learning is a systematic approach to the planning and implementation of high-quality curriculum, instruction, and assessment. These practices meet the needs of students, educators, and families by promoting greater levels of clarity, communication, consistency, and effectiveness in teaching and learning. Using prioritized North Dakota content standards, learning time is maximized while learning progress is measured through the scaffolded demonstration of competency throughout the learning process. Standards-based learning is rooted in instructional research and serves to create a guaranteed and viable curriculum for all North Dakota students.
History
Beginning in 2017, the Northeast Education Services Cooperative (NESC-Devils Lake), Central Regional Education Association (CREA-Bismarck/Minot), and South East Education Cooperative (SEEC-Fargo) partnered to support schools in their implementation of standards based learning.
Collaborative work among these Regional Education Associations (REAs) and with educators across the state produced the North Dakota Priority Standards, proficiency scales, and additional resources, all supported by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI).
This collection of documents, aligned to the North Dakota State Content Standards, serves as a guide for schools as they refine their curriculum, instruction, and assessment frameworks and practices.
Funds Allow for New and Continued Work
In the Spring of 2021, the CREA, NESC, and SEEC submitted a proposal to the NDDPI for continued funding of this statewide effort. The proposal was awarded in Fall 2021 for a three-year term.
Priorities within this proposal include
- Revising the existing K-12 English Language Arts and Math proficiency scales;
- Establishing K-12 Social Studies and Science Priority Standards and aligned proficiency scales; and
- Creating a statewide professional development framework.
Our team’s state scaling objectives are as follows:
- Increase equity for North Dakota K-12 students through access to teaching and learning of the State Content Standards
- Accelerate learning for North Dakota K-12 students through implementation of quality instructional frameworks aligned with the State Content Standards
- Increase equity for North Dakota K-12 educators and educational stakeholders through flexible access to comprehensive, scaffolded, and instructionally-focused professional development
- Set students up for success through support of K-12 educators, schools, and school districts through the implementation of
- Evidence-based instructional frameworks and
- Sustainable, high-quality professional development structures with entry points for schools of all sizes, locations, and readiness
Our grant team is already busy structuring resources and planning professional development. Further, we’ve established a regular leadership communication to support schools in this important work! This work is implemented neither easily nor swiftly, and we find that it’s lead best in mutual company. Let us help you through the sharing of ideas and resources, trials and successes, partners, and opportunities. We’re working on this WITH you and cheering you on all the way!