North Dakota schools screen students and strengthen math teaching

Schools provide research-based math teaching, staff training, regular assessments, and extra help for students who need it. These duties apply to each school district and nonpublic school. Intervention programs must be suggested by the state and adopted by the school board; their supplemental materials and teaching strategies must meet the stated evidence-based requirements. For superintendent approval, schools must meet requirements for qualified teachers in grades four through eight, math assessment tools, and evidence-based teaching and assessment resources. The requirements for superintendent approval take effect July 1, 2027. No start date is stated for the other duties.

Schools screen young students for math difficulties and signs of dyscalculia, share results and home-learning guidance with families, and make education plans with accommodations for identified students. The screening, family information, home-learning guidance, and plans cover students in kindergarten through grade three. A school district or special education unit must provide screening if a parent, guardian, or teacher requests it. These requirements take effect July 1, 2027.

The superintendent of public instruction runs a math screening pilot and reports its findings to lawmakers. The pilot serves students in grades four through eight. The pilot must include individualized learning tools that assess skills, track progress, and align with North Dakota's 2023 math standards. Up to $300,000 of the appropriation must be allocated for the pilot, including teacher training on the screening tool. The pilot runs during the 2025–26 and 2026–27 school years. Initial findings go to the 70th Legislative Assembly, and final findings go to the 71st.

The state sets aside money for school math improvement, and teacher candidates must show math teaching skills to qualify for a license. The later licensing provision covers candidates seeking elementary or secondary math teacher certification. The $1.5 million appropriation supports kindergarten-through-grade-eight math work, including district training and partnerships with regional education associations; up to $200,000 may cover state staffing or administrative costs. Candidates may meet the skills requirement through approved training or demonstrated mastery. The board may issue a provisional license for up to two years to a candidate who does not meet it. The appropriation covers the biennium from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027. The licensing provision covering elementary and secondary math teacher candidates takes effect July 1, 2027.