The bill amends section 15.1-02-11 of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance the accreditation process for public and nonpublic schools. It empowers the superintendent of public instruction to adopt rules that incorporate measures of student achievement and provide schools with various accreditation options. These options include a state-defined accreditation process or accreditation through recognized organizations. The bill also establishes a process for schools to select their accreditation options, which may involve input from a steering committee comprising education stakeholders.

Additionally, the bill mandates that each accreditation option must meet state standards and provide measurable outcomes for student achievement. Schools are allowed to choose the accreditation option that best aligns with their instructional goals, subject to the superintendent's approval. Furthermore, the superintendent is required to contract with an accreditation organization to offer state-provided accreditation at no charge to public school districts, while districts opting for an alternative process from the approved list will bear any associated costs.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 15.1-02-11
Adopted by the Senate Education Committee: 15.1-02-11
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 15.1-02-11