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 govern accreditation, ensuring that these rules incorporate measures of student achievement and are directly related to improving educational outcomes. The bill introduces various accreditation options, allowing schools to choose between a state-defined process or accreditation through recognized organizations. Additionally, it establishes a framework for selecting accreditation options, which includes input from a diverse steering committee representing various education stakeholders.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that each accreditation option must meet state standards and provide measurable outcomes for student achievement. Schools are given the autonomy to select the accreditation option that best aligns with their instructional goals, subject to the superintendent's approval. The superintendent is also required to contract with an accreditation organization to provide state-provided accreditation at no charge to public school districts, although 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