1. TACKLING RURAL ISSUES IN NORTH DAKOTA North Dakota Department of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler, State Superintendent 600 E Boulevard Ave., Dept. 201, Bismarck, ND 58505-0440 Ann Ellefson Assistant Director aellefson@nd.gov (701) 328-2488 Stefanie Two Crow Assistant Director stwocrow@nd.gov (701) 328-2287

2. ND FACTS  104,278 K-12 Public School Students  8,326 Public School Teachers  Non Waiver State Goal of 100% Proficiency  180 Public School Districts (372 Public Schools) 270 Title I Schools (58% targeted assistance, 42% schoolwide)  42% of students attend rural schools Resource: https://dpi.state.nd.us/resource/finfacts/index.shtmhttps://dpi.state.nd.us/resource/finfacts/index.shtm

3. COMMON CHALLENGES IN RURAL SCHOOLS  Time  Duplication of Effort  Providing Assistance  Limited Data  Limited Financial Resources  Limited Course Offerings  Limited Personnel Resources

4. CHALLENGE: TIME  Not enough time for professional development The most significant challenge for districts and schools  Need additional instructional time

5. ADDRESSING TIME THROUGH STATE FLEXIBILITY  Extend school year (beyond 180 day requirement)  Utilizing the state’s waiver process Four day school week structure (Fridays for professional development and student interventions)  After school programming  Summer school programming  Trimester schedule Increases course time  Early dismissals throughout calendar year for professional development

6. CHALLENGE: DUPLICATION OF EFFORT  Reporting same information to different offices  Putting energy into multiple improvement initiatives

7. ADDRESSING DUPLICATION OF EFFORTS THROUGH STREAMLINED REPORTING  SIG Provided research based indicators with supporting evidence Fulfills federal reporting requirements  State collaboration with BIE Brought together reports and due dates  Streamlined improvement and accreditation processes  Options for improvement initiatives School improvement, Title I schoolwide Respects local control and supports decisions made by schools Decisions made locally  Data systems NDSTARS – Data application and reporting system NDSLDS – Longitudinal data collection and management system

8. CHALLENGE: PROVIDING ASSISTANCE  Rural and remote locations  Many districts across many miles  Balancing accountability and local control

9. ADDRESSING HOW TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE THROUGH PERSONALIZED SUPPORT PROCESSES  SIG External contractor and state representatives collaborate (onsite visits, conference calls, webinars, etc.) External contractor focuses on implementation and fidelity State representatives focus on the financial and implementation logistics  Every district has an assigned state contact Builds reliable relationships Knowledgeable on all facets of programs (i.e., budgeting, monitoring, improvement processes, student services, etc.) Each district has someone who knows you and your school

10. CHALLENGE: DATA  Lack of reliable data  More prevalent in smaller schools and districts  Limited skills to review data  Limited time and resources for data

11. ADDRESSING DATA THROUGH STATEWIDE INITIATIVES  Compressive Data Reports State collection and produces a compressive districtwide data report based on state assessment Provides summary of longitudinal patterns of achievement, proficiency levels, and comparative graphs  State-wide Interim Assessments  NDSLDS – Longitudinal data collection and management system Ongoing training and continued support

12. CHALLENGE: LIMITED FINANCIAL RESOURCES  Great variance in resources from one district to the next  Declining statewide poverty

13. ADDRESSING LIMITED FINANCIAL RESOURCES THROUGH BLENDED FUNDING  Blended funding Using multiple funding streams to fulfill initiatives Support and sustain initiatives/programs Title I, Title II, SIG, IDEA-B, Local  REA support structure Coordinate support for districts Help bridge the gaps between districts  Increased per pupil payment at the state level

14. CHALLENGE: LIMITED COURSE OFFERINGS  Students expressed concerns Lack of availability Limited electives  Lack of Advanced Placement opportunities  Competing priorities for students and staff Professional development Summer school Summer employment

15. ADDRESSING LIMITED COURSE OFFERINGS THROUGH STATEWIDE INITIATIVES  Many schools offer dual credit by partnering with universities (physically and online)  Increased intervention time and core class time  IVN courses with neighboring districts  REA coordination of courses  North Dakota Center for Distance Education  Additional funding for Advanced Placement training and exams

16. CHALLENGE: LIMITED PERSONNEL RESOURCES  Ever-changing landscape  Unemployment rate of 2.8%  Rural districts with same responsibilities as urban districts

17. ADDRESSING LIMITED PERSONNEL RESOURCES THROUGH STATEWIDE INITIATIVES  SIG Hiring competent, quality staff Developing staff within the school  Teacher licensing flexibility  REA structure to hire staff supporting multiple districts  Cross district sharing of teachers

18. QUESTIONS Ann Ellefson Assistant Director aellefson@nd.gov (701) 328-2488 Stefanie Two Crow Assistant Director stwocrow@nd.gov (701) 328-2287