North Dakota Code § 15.1-21-12.1

Reading curriculum - Content - Professional development - Reports to
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legislative management.
1. Beginning July 1, 2022, each school district and nonpublic school shall ensure the 
portion of its curriculum which is related to reading:
a. Is scientifically based, evidence based, and research based;
b. Focuses on:
(1) Phonemic awareness;
(2) Phonics;
(3) Fluency;
(4) Vocabulary; and
(5) Comprehension; and
c. Uses systematic direct instruction for students in kindergarten through grade 
three to ensure all students obtain necessary early reading skills.
2. Before the 2022-23 school year, each teacher who teaches kindergarten through 
grade three at a school district or nonpublic school, and each principal of a public or 
nonpublic school with kindergarten through grade three, shall attend teacher-
approved, professional development training that includes training in the topics 
provided under subsection 1.
3. Each teacher or principal hired by a school district or nonpublic school that provides 
instruction in kindergarten through grade three shall complete the training under 
subsection 2, or demonstrate mastery of the topics provided under subsection 1, within 
one year of the teacher's or principal's first year of placement in the grade level or at 
the school.
4. To be approved by the superintendent of public instruction, each public and nonpublic 
school shall certify to the superintendent of public instruction that the district or school:
a. Ensures the placement of highly effective teachers in kindergarten through grade 
three;
b. Has integrated reading instruments used to diagnose reading development and 
comprehension; and
c. Has integrated evidence-based resources to support reading development and 
comprehension.
5. The superintendent of public instruction shall provide ongoing assistance to school 
districts and nonpublic schools to be in and maintain compliance with this section.

6. The superintendent of public instruction, in collaboration with the kindergarten through 
grade twelve education coordination council, shall adopt rules to implement this 
section, including rules to monitor implementation and compliance with this section.
7. The superintendent of public instruction shall provide periodic reports to the legislative 
management on the implementation and effectiveness of this section in improving 
educational outcomes and reading competency of students.

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