The bill amends section 15.1-02-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, focusing on the accreditation of public and nonpublic schools. It empowers the superintendent of public instruction to adopt rules for accreditation that emphasize student achievement and provide 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 can choose the accreditation option that best fits their instructional goals, subject to the superintendent's approval. The superintendent is also required to contract with an accreditation organization to offer state-provided accreditation at no charge to public school districts, while districts opting for an accreditation 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
Enrollment: 15.1-02-11