North Dakota
State Information
Local control?
Yes
Has your state passed legislation and/or non-legislated rule changes related to the science of reading?
Yes
North Dakota Century Code 15.1-21-12 North Dakota Century Code t15.1c21
In 2021 North Dakota passed legislation that requires all schools to ensure K-3 teachers and principals are trained in scientifically-based reading instruction with an explicit and systematic approach to phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Curriculum must be aligned to the areas listed above and schools must have integrated diagnostic tools and resources to support reading development.
Does your state have an approved curriculum list?
No
North Dakota does not have an approved list but encourages schools to utilize the curriculum review tool and recommended resources:
Was evidence-aligned reading instruction a consideration for the curriculum review?
No. However, it is recommended that schools use the guidance provided here
Does your state mandate or provide guidance on early screening?
Yes. North Dakota requires dyslexia screening for all enrolled students seven years of age or younger with additional evaluation for those students with risk factors identified through the screening.
Please describe any other assessment work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable
As mentioned above, NDCC 15.1-21-12 passed in 2021 states that k-3 schools must have integrated reading instruments used to diagnose reading development and comprehension
The 2023 North Dakota Century Code t15.1c32 relates to dyslexia and states that schools must administer evaluations to determine the effectiveness of intervention services.
Does your state have policy or guidance related to MTSS that incorporates information on the science of reading and/or evidence-based literacy practices?
Yes. Although not called MTSS, the 2023 dyslexia legislation North Dakota Century Code t15.1c32 (ndlegis.gov) sets out a process that districts must establish and enact that includes literacy screening, diagnostics, developing an instructional response plan, intervention services and evaluation (monitoring progress) of the effectiveness of those services for students.
Does your state have policy or guidance related to instruction and/or professional development
Yes. North Dakota Century Code t15.1c21 (ndlegis.gov) requires that all teachers of K-3 students and principals of K-3 buildings receive training in explicit and systematic, science-based reading instruction.
Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading?
Yes
North Dakota partnered with AIM Institute to provide an asynchronous online course to train in the science of reading free of charge to all ND educators. It is called Science of Reading, Reaching All Learners. This access is only provided to ND Educators.
ND Regional Education Association has designed a course for educators who do not have a primary responsibility to teach reading to provide an overview of the science of reading and tools and examples of reading instruction skills across the curriculum. This course, called “The Science of Reading A Shared Responsibility” is available on a platform accessible to ND educators only.
North Dakota has a page on the Department of Public Instruction called Science of Reading to provide links to the legislation, reporting information, and professional development links. (This page is being updated, so you may not find all resources at this time.)
Please describe any grant work that names the science of reading and/or evidence-aligned instruction including links, where applicable
ESSER funds were focused on Systemwide Literacy Improvement (SLI) and requires scientifically-based instructional methods and curriculum North Dakota Systemwide Literacy Improvement | North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (nd.gov)
Has your state reviewed standards for alignment to the science of reading?
Yes. The ND ELA Standards were updated in 2023 with care taken in the foundational skills section to align with the science of reading.
Does your state have guidance or resources for families related to the science of reading?
Not yet
Do you have policy or guidance regarding how to leverage evidence-based practices to support secondary students?
No
Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading and Multilingual learners? If so, please link and provide a short description.
No
Does your state have licensure or program approval criteria to ensure Educator Preparation Programs are aligned to the science of reading?
Yes. North Dakota Century Code t15.1c13 (ndlegis.gov) requires teacher candidates to demonstrate competency in science of reading instructional capability.
Do you have a “contact us” website that we can share publicly on TRL Compass?
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (nd.gov) Contact the Academic Support Office
Interactive State Map
Use the interactive state map to find descriptions of state-level policy adoption, guidance, and practices related to the science of reading. State policy may include legislation incorporating training or practices related to the science of reading or state education agency guidance regarding policy, professional development, curricula, instruction, or assessment.
Filter by specific topic area(s) to find state-specific work:
The Reading League expresses gratitude to our collaborators and associates within the state education agencies for sharing their state-specific data. This data will undergo semi-annual updates, contingent upon the availability and resources of the respective state agencies. For any inquiries, clarifications, or updates, please reach out to compass@thereadingleague.org.
