Chapter 15.1-21 Curriculum and Testing

Copy with citation

Copy as parenthetical citation

CHAPTER 15.1-21 CURRICULUM AND TESTING 15.1-21-01. Elementary and middle schools - Required instruction

In order to be approved by the superintendent of public instruction, each public and nonpublic elementary and middle school shall provide to students instruction in: 1

English language arts, including reading, composition, creative writing, English grammar, and spelling

2. Mathematics

The United States Constitution; Social studies, including: a

b. United States history; c. Geography; d. Government; and e. North Dakota studies, with an emphasis on the geography, history, and agriculture of this state, in the fourth and eighth grades

Science, including agriculture

Physical education

6. Health, including physiology, hygiene, disease control, and the nature and effects of alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics

15.1-21-02. High schools - Required units

In order to be approved by the superintendent of public instruction, each public and nonpublic high school shall make available to each student: a

Four units of English language arts from a sequence that includes literature, composition, and speech; Four units of mathematics, including: (1) One unit of algebra II; and (2) One unit for which algebra II is a prerequisite; Four units of science, including: (1) One unit of physical science; and (2) One unit of biology; Four units of social studies, including: (1) One unit of world history; (2) One unit of United States history; and (3) (a) One unit of problems of democracy; or (b) One-half unit of United States government and one-half unit of b

economics; e. One-half unit of health; f. One-half unit of physical education during each school year, provided that once every four years the unit must be a concept-based fitness class that includes instruction in the assessment, improvement, and maintenance of personal fitness; Two units of fine arts, at least one of which must be music; Two units of the same foreign or native American language; g

i. One unit of an advanced placement course or one unit of a dual-credit course; and Two units of career and technical education from a coordinated plan of study recommended by the department of career and technical education and approved by the superintendent of public instruction

In addition to the requirements of subsection 1, each public and nonpublic high school shall make available to each student, at least once every two years, one-half unit of North Dakota studies, with an emphasis on the geography, history, and agriculture of this state

Each unit which must be made available under this section must meet or exceed the state content standards

Page No. 1 4

including For purposes of this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "make available" means that: a

Each public high school and nonpublic high school shall allow students to select units over the course of a high school career from a list that includes at least those required by this section; If a student selects a unit from the list required by this section, the public high school or the nonpublic high school shall provide the unit to the student; and The unit may be provided to the student through any delivery method not contrary to state law and may include classroom or individual instruction and distance learning options, instruction, correspondence courses, and postsecondary enrollment under chapter 15.1-25

interactive video, computer The board of a school district may not impose any fees or charges upon a student for the provision of or participation in units as provided in this section, other than the fees permitted by section 15.1-09-36

If in order to meet the minimum requirements of this section a school district includes academic courses offered by a postsecondary institution under chapter 15.1-25, the school district shall: a

Pay all costs of the student's attendance, except those fees that are permissible under section 15.1-09-36; and Transport the student to and from the location at which the course is offered or provide mileage reimbursement to the student if transportation is provided by the student or the student's family

The requirements of this section do not apply to alternative high schools or alternative high school education programs

The requirements of subdivisions g and h of subsection 1 do not apply to the North Dakota youth correctional center

15.1-21-02.1. High school diploma - Minimum units

Except as provided in section 15.1-21-02.3 or as otherwise agreed to in the compact on educational opportunity for military children, before a school district, a nonpublic high school, or the center for distance education issues a high school diploma to a student, the student must have successfully completed: The twenty-two units of high school coursework set forth in section 15.1-21-02.2; and Any additional units of high school coursework required by the issuing entity, two of which may be theological studies if taught in a nonpublic school by an approved theological studies instructor

15.1-21-02.2. High school graduation - Minimum requirements

Except as provided in section 15.1-21-02.3, the following twenty-two units of high school coursework constitute the minimum requirement for high school graduation: Four units of English language arts from a sequence that includes literature, composition, and speech; Three units of mathematics, which may include one unit of computer science approved by the superintendent of public instruction; Three units of science, consisting of: a

Three units of social studies, including: a. One unit of United States history; b

or (2) One unit of problems of democracy; and Page No. 2 (1) One-half unit of United States government and one-half unit of economics; 1

c. One unit or two one-half units of any other social studies, which may include civics, civilization, geography and history, multicultural studies, North Dakota studies, psychology, sociology, and world history; Foreign languages; a. One unit of physical education; or b. One-half unit of physical education and one-half unit of health; Three units of: a

b. Native American languages; c

d. Career and technical education courses; and Any five additional units

Fine arts; or 5

15.1-21-02.3. Optional high school curriculum - Requirements

If after completing at least two years of high school a student has failed to pass at least one-half unit from three subsections in section 15.1-21-02.1 or has a grade point average at or below the twenty-fifth percentile of other students in the district who are enrolled in the same grade, the student may request that the student's career advisor, guidance counselor, or principal meet with the student and the student's parent to determine if the student should be permitted to pursue an optional high school curriculum, in place of the requirements set forth in section 15.1-21-02.1. If a student's parent consents in writing to the student pursuing the optional high school curriculum, the student is eligible to receive a high school diploma upon completing the following requirements: 1

Four units of English language arts from a sequence that includes literature, composition, and speech; Two units of mathematics; Two units of science; Three units of social studies, which may include up to one-half unit of North Dakota studies and one-half unit of multicultural studies; a. One unit of physical education; or b. One-half unit of physical education and one-half unit of health; Two units of: a

b. Native American languages; c

d. Career and technical education courses; and Any seven additional units

Foreign languages; Fine arts; or 15.1-21-02.4. North Dakota career and technical education scholarship. (Effective through July 31, 2021) Any resident student who graduates from a high school during or after the 2010-11 school year and any resident student who completes a program of home education supervised in accordance with chapter 15.1-23 during or after the 2012-13 school year is eligible to receive a North Dakota career and technical education scholarship provided the student: 1. Completed four units of English language arts from a sequence that includes literature, composition, and speech; 2. Completed three units of mathematics, including: a. One unit of algebra II, as defined by the superintendent of public instruction; and b

Two units of any other mathematics, which may include one unit of computer science; 3. Completed three units of science, consisting of: a

(1) One unit of biology; (2) One unit of chemistry; and (3) One unit of physics; or (1) One unit of biology; (2) One unit of physical science; and (3) One unit or two one-half units of any other science; Page No. 3 or 4. Completed three units of social studies, including: a. One unit of United States history; b

(1) One-half unit of United States government and one-half unit of economics; (2) One unit of problems of democracy; and c. One unit or two one-half units of any other social studies, which may include civics, civilization, geography and history, multicultural studies, North Dakota studies, psychology, sociology, and world history; 5

a. Completed one unit of physical education; or b. One-half unit of physical education and one-half unit of health; 6. Completed: a. One unit selected from: (1) Foreign languages; (2) Native American languages; (3) American sign language; (4) Fine arts; or (5) Career and technical education courses; and Two units of a coordinated plan of study recommended by the department of career and technical education and approved by the superintendent of public instruction or an education pathway approved by the superintendent of public instruction. The education pathway must consist of two units in teaching profession and educational methodology and at least one additional unit in advanced placement or dual-credit psychology, child development, peer-to-peer leadership, or child-related careers; b

7. Completed any five additional units, two of which must be in the area of career and technical education; a

(1) Obtained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale, as determined by the superintendent of public instruction, based on all high school units in which the student was enrolled; and (2) Obtained a grade of at least "C" in each unit or one-half unit; or (1) Obtained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale, as determined by the superintendent of public instruction, based only on the units required by subsections 1 through 7; and (2) Obtained a grade of at least "C" in each unit or one-half unit; and 9. Received: A composite score of at least twenty-four on an ACT; or A score of at least five on each of three WorkKeys assessments recommended by the department of career and technical education and approved by the superintendent of public instruction

North Dakota career and technical education scholarship. (Effective after July 31, b

2021) Any resident student who graduates from a high school during or after the 2010-11 school year and any resident student who completes a program of home education supervised in accordance with chapter 15.1-23 during or after the 2012-13 school year is eligible to receive a North Dakota career and technical education scholarship provided the student: 1. Completed four units of English language arts from a sequence that includes literature, composition, and speech; 2. Completed three units of mathematics, including: a. One unit of algebra II, as defined by the superintendent of public instruction; and b

Two units of any other mathematics, which may include one unit of computer science; 3. Completed three units of science, consisting of: a

(1) One unit of biology; (2) One unit of chemistry; and (3) One unit of physics; or (1) One unit of biology; Page No. 4 or (2) One unit of physical science; and (3) One unit or two one-half units of any other science; 4. Completed three units of social studies, including: a. One unit of United States history; b

a. Completed one unit of physical education; or b. One-half unit of physical education and one-half unit of health; 6. Completed: a. One unit selected from: (1) Foreign languages; (2) Native American languages; (3) American sign language; (4) Fine arts; or (5) Career and technical education courses; and Two units of a coordinated plan of study recommended by the department of career and technical education and approved by the superintendent of public instruction or an education pathway approved by the superintendent of public instruction which may be governed by rules adopted by the superintendent of public instruction; b

7. Completed any five additional units, two of which must be in the area of career and technical education; a

(1) Obtained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale, as determined by the superintendent of public instruction, based on all high school units in which the student was enrolled; and (2) Obtained a grade of at least "C" in each unit or one-half unit; or (1) Obtained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale, as determined by the superintendent of public instruction, based only on the units required by subsections 1 through 7; and (2) Obtained a grade of at least "C" in each unit or one-half unit; and A composite score of at least twenty-four on an ACT; or A score of at least five on each of three WorkKeys assessments recommended by the department of career and technical education and approved by the superintendent of public instruction

9. Received: 15.1-21-02.5. North Dakota academic scholarship

Any resident student who graduates from a high school during or after the 2010-11 school year and any resident student who completes a program of home education supervised in accordance with chapter 15.1-23 during or after the 2012-13 school year is eligible to receive a North Dakota academic scholarship provided the student: 1. Completed four units of English language arts from a sequence that includes literature, composition, and speech; 2. Completed three units of mathematics, including: a. One unit of algebra II, as defined by the superintendent of public instruction; b. One unit of mathematics for which algebra II, as defined by the superintendent of public instruction, is a prerequisite; and c. One unit of any other mathematics, which may include computer science; 3. Completed three units of science, consisting of: a

(1) One unit of biology; (2) One unit of chemistry; and (3) One unit of physics; or Page No. 5 b

(1) One unit of biology; (2) One unit of physical science; and (3) One unit or two one-half units of any other science; 4. Completed three units of social studies, including: a. One unit of United States history; b

(1) One-half unit of United States government and one-half unit of economics; or (2) One unit of problems of democracy; and c. One unit or two one-half units of any other social studies, which may include civics, civilization, geography and history, multicultural studies, North Dakota studies, psychology, sociology, and world history; 5

a. Completed one unit of physical education; or b. One-half unit of physical education and one-half unit of health; a. Completed two units of: (1) The same foreign language; (2) The same native American language; (3) American sign language; or (4) Career and technical education from a coordinated plan of study recommended by the department of career and technical education and approved by the superintendent of public instruction or an education pathway, approved by the superintendent of public instruction. The education pathway must consist of two units in teaching profession and educational methodology and at least one additional unit in advanced placement or dual-credit psychology, child development, peer-to-peer leadership, or child-related careers; and b. One unit selected from: (1) Foreign languages; (2) Native American languages; (3) American sign language; (4) Fine arts; or (5) Career and technical education; 7. Completed any five additional units; 8

(1) Obtained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale, as determined by the superintendent of public instruction, based on all high school units in which the student was enrolled; and (2) Obtained a grade of at least "C" in each unit or one-half unit; or (1) Obtained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale, as determined by the superintendent of public instruction, based only on the units required by subsections 1 through 7; and (2) Obtained a grade of at least "C" in each unit or one-half unit; 9. Received a composite score of at least twenty-four on an ACT; and 10

Fulfilled any one unit requirement set forth in subsections 1 through 7 by means of an advanced placement course and examination; Fulfilled any one unit requirement set forth in subsections 1 through 4 or 6 by completion, through an early entrance program, of a nonremedial postsecondary course offered for credit at an accredited institution of higher education which has a physical presence in this state; or Fulfilled any one-half unit requirement set forth in subsections 1 through 7 by means of a dual-credit course

15.1-21-02.6. North Dakota scholarship - Amount - Applicability

The state board of higher education shall provide to any student certified as being eligible by the superintendent of public instruction either a North Dakota academic scholarship or a North Dakota career and technical education scholarship in the amount of seven hundred fifty dollars for each semester during which the student is enrolled full time at an accredited institution of higher Page No. 6 2

education in this state, maintains a cumulative grade point average of 2.75, and maintains progress toward degree completion

The state board of higher education shall provide to any student certified as being eligible by the superintendent of public instruction either a North Dakota academic scholarship or a North Dakota career and technical education scholarship in the amount of five hundred dollars for each quarter during which the student is enrolled full time at an accredited institution of higher education in this state, maintains a cumulative grade point average of 2.75, and maintains progress toward degree completion

The state board shall monitor each scholarship recipient to ensure that the student meets the academic and other requirements of this section. Upon determining that a recipient student has failed to meet the requirements of this section, the board shall provide notification to the student within ten days

A student is not entitled to receive more than six thousand dollars under this section

The state board of higher education shall forward the scholarship directly to the institution in which the student is enrolled

(1) This section does not require a student to be enrolled in consecutive semesters

quarters

(2) This section does not require a student to be enrolled in consecutive b

A scholarship under this section is valid only for six academic years after the student's graduation from high school and may be applied to a graduate program

A scholarship under this section is available to any eligible resident student who fulfills the requirements of section 15.1-21-02.4 or 15.1-21-02.5 and who: a. Graduates from a high school in this state; b. Graduates from a high school in a bordering state under chapter 15.1-29; c. Graduates from a nonpublic high school in a bordering state while residing with a custodial parent in this state; or d. Completes a program of home education supervised in accordance with chapter a

15.1-23

For purposes of North Dakota scholarship eligibility under this section, "full-time" has the same meaning as the term is defined by the institution the student is attending

A student who is enrolled less than full-time may retain scholarship eligibility if the student is in the final semester or quarter before graduation. The waiver of the full-time enrollment status requirement for scholarship eligibility may not apply to a student more than once

For the purpose of North Dakota scholarship eligibility under this section, "progress toward degree completion" means earning the following minimum number of credits after each semester or quarter term disbursement to qualify for the subsequent disbursement: (1) Twenty-four credits after disbursement two; (2) Thirty-nine credits after disbursement three; (3) Fifty-four credits after disbursement four; (4) Sixty-nine credits after disbursement five; (5) Eighty-four credits after disbursement six; and (6) Ninety-nine credits after disbursement seven

graduates

15.1-21-02.7. North Dakota scholarship opportunities - 2009-10 high school 1

Except as provided in subsection 3, any resident student who graduates from a high school during the 2009-10 school year is eligible to receive a North Dakota academic scholarship, provided the student is certified by the superintendent of public instruction as having obtained a composite score of at least twenty-four on an ACT

Except as provided in subsection 3, any resident student who graduates from a high school during the 2009-10 school year is eligible to receive a North Dakota technical Page No. 7 scholarship, provided the student is certified by the superintendent of public instruction as having obtained: a

A composite score of at least twenty-four on an ACT; or A score of at least five on each of three WorkKeys assessments recommended by the department of career and technical education and approved by the superintendent of public instruction

A student is eligible to receive a scholarship under either subsection 1 or 2, but may not receive a scholarship under both subsections

15.1-21-02.8. North Dakota scholarship - Eligibility - One-time exception

a. Notwithstanding section 15.1-21-02.6, if a student's cumulative grade point average as determined by the state board of higher education at the conclusion of a semester is below 2.75, the board shall grant an exception and provide the North Dakota scholarship to which the student would otherwise be entitled for the next semester in which the student is enrolled full time. The exception provided by this section is applicable to a student only one time

If a student's cumulative grade point average as determined by the state board of higher education at the conclusion of a semester is below 2.75 for a second time, the student is no longer eligible to receive any additional North Dakota academic or career and technical education scholarships

a. Notwithstanding section 15.1-21-02.6, if a student's cumulative grade point average as determined by the state board of higher education at the conclusion of a quarter is below 2.75, the board shall grant an exception and provide the North Dakota scholarship to which the student would otherwise be entitled for the next quarter in which the student is enrolled full time. The exception provided by this section is applicable to a student only one time

If a student's cumulative grade point average as determined by the state board of higher education at the conclusion of a quarter is below 2.75 for a second time, the student is no longer eligible to receive any additional North Dakota academic or career and technical education scholarships

15.1-21-02.9. North Dakota scholarship - Information system

Each school district shall use North Dakota eTranscripts, or an alternative information system designated by the information technology department in collaboration with the department of public instruction, to submit official transcripts for the North Dakota academic or career and technical education scholarship to the superintendent of public instruction

15.1-21-03. High school unit - Instructional time

Except as provided in subsection 2, each unit must consist of at least one hundred twenty hours of student engagement per school calendar

The following units must consist of at least one hundred fifty hours of student engagement per school calendar: natural sciences, agriculture, business and office technology, marketing, diversified occupations, trade and industrial education, technology education, and health careers

The hour requirements of this section are subject to reductions resulting from the holidays and nonstudent contact days provided for in section 15.1-06-04

This section does not apply to schools or school districts having block schedules approved by the superintendent of public instruction

15.1-21-04. Minimum high school courses - Alternative curriculum plans

Except as otherwise provided in this section, each student shall enroll in at least four units of high school work in each grade from nine through twelve

A student in grade twelve may enroll in fewer than four units of work, provided: a

The student requires fewer than four units of work for graduation; and 2

Page No. 8 2

The board of the school district has adopted an alternative high school senior curriculum plan

An alternative high school senior curriculum plan becomes effective if: a

It is adopted by action of the school board; It contains specific criteria under which a high school senior may enroll in fewer than four units of work; and It has been submitted to and approved by the superintendent of public instruction

15.1-21-05. Indian education curriculum

The superintendent of public instruction may develop an Indian education curriculum to be implemented within the minimum curriculum requirements for elementary and secondary schools. The superintendent shall provide for continuing research and evaluation and for inservice training necessary to implement an Indian education curriculum

15.1-21-06. Goals 2000 - Participation voluntary

The board of a school district may choose to participate or not to participate in the Goals 2000 Educate America Act [Pub. L. 103-227; 108 Stat. 125; 20 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.]. A board that chooses to participate and directly or indirectly receives federal funds for its participation shall expend the funds in the manner it determines best meets the goal of educational enhancement in the school district, in accordance with the district's locally developed goals 2000 educational improvement application plan. The superintendent of public instruction may not impose any financial penalty or other sanction on a school or school district if the school board chooses, at any time, to terminate participation in the Goals 2000 Educate America Act

15.1-21-07. School-to-work - Student participation voluntary

Before an elementary or secondary school student may participate in any course, program, or project offered under the auspices of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994 [Pub. L. 103-239; 108 Stat. 568; 20 U.S.C. 2394 et seq.], the student's school principal shall obtain the written consent of the student's parent or legal guardian. Participation by a student is voluntary and may not be deemed a condition of graduation. Neither school personnel, school district personnel, nor the superintendent of public instruction may impose any academic penalties or any other sanctions on a student for failure to participate. A student's participation in a course, program, or project offered under the auspices of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994 is subject to all state and federal child labor laws

15.1-21-08. Reading, mathematics, and science - Administration of test

The superintendent of public instruction shall administer to public school students a test that is aligned to the state content and achievement standards in reading and mathematics. This test must be administered annually to all public school students in grades three, four, five, six, seven, eight, and in at least one grade level selected from nine through twelve

The superintendent of public instruction shall administer a test that is aligned to the state content and achievement standards in science. This test must be administered to all public school students in at least one grade level selected from three through five, in at least one grade level selected from six through nine, and in at least one grade level selected from ten through twelve. 2

15.1-21-08.1. Parental directive - Administration of tests and assessments - Report

A student's parent may direct the school district in which the student is enrolled not to administer to the student any state test or state assessment required in accordance with section 15.1-21-08

In addition to the authority granted under subsection 1, a student's parent may direct that the school district in which the student is enrolled not administer any other specific test or assessment to the student, except a parental directive under this subsection does not apply to: 2

Page No. 9 a

Any test or assessment required by the student's school district of enrollment or this state for the completion of any grade from kindergarten through twelve; Any test or assessment required by the student's school district of enrollment or this state for high school graduation; The ACT; or c

d. WorkKeys assessments

A parental directive is valid only if it is presented to the school district using a standardized form, prepared by the superintendent of public instruction, and signed by the student's custodial parent

A parental directive is valid only until the conclusion of the school year in which it is received by the school district

A parental directive submitted to a school district in accordance with this section must be retained as part of the student's educational record

A school district is not liable for any consequences incurred by a student as a result of a parental directive submitted in accordance with this section

A school district is not required to provide instruction or activities for a student during the administration of any test or assessment referenced in the parental directive submitted by the student's parent

Each school district shall post the parental directive form on its website and make the form available to a parent, upon request

At the time and in the manner directed by the superintendent of public instruction, each school district shall provide a report regarding: a

The number of parental directives received; The number of parental directives applicable to students who are economically disadvantaged, students from major racial and ethnic groups, students with disabilities, and students with limited English proficiency; and Any loss of funding stemming from the parental directives

15.1-21-09. Test scores - Compilation

The superintendent of public instruction shall arrange for the compilation of test scores in a manner that indicates achievement and allows a comparison of individual students, classrooms within a given school and school district, schools within the state, and school districts within the state. The test scores must also allow for comparisons based on students' gender, ethnicity, economic status, service status, and assessment status, unless doing so enables the identification of any student

15.1-21-10. Test scores - Publication

Upon receiving notice that the compilation of test scores has been completed, the superintendent of public instruction shall inform the legislative council. The superintendent shall present the test scores publicly for the first time at a meeting of a legislative committee designated by the legislative management. At the meeting, the superintendent and representatives of the testing service that created the tests shall provide detailed testimony regarding the testing instrument, the methodology used to test and assess the students, the established cut scores, the methodology used to determine the cut scores, the validation of all test products, and the significance of the test scores

15.1-21-11. Superintendent of public instruction - Review of test questions

The superintendent of public instruction shall require that the entity developing a test to be administered under section 15.1-21-08 not include questions that might be deemed personal to a student or to the student's family and that the entity developing the test not include questions requiring responses that might be deemed personal to a student or to the student's family. Before a test is finalized for use in this state, the superintendent shall require that the test be reviewed by a standards alignment committee appointed by the superintendent to ensure that the test meets the requirements of this section

Page No. 10 15.1-21-12. Professional development - Use of available funds

1. On or before October first of each year, each school district shall file a report with the b

superintendent of public instruction indicating: a

The amount and source of funds that were made available to the district for professional development during the preceding school year; The amount and source of funds that were expended by the district for professional development during the preceding school year; and A separate list of the professional development activities in which the district participated during the preceding school year and the amount of time committed to the activities

The superintendent of public instruction shall compile the information submitted under this section to determine how much of the available funding for professional development was used by school districts in this state and, beginning with the reports due on or before October 1, 2002, whether the expenditure correlated with increased student achievement on the reading and mathematics tests required by section 15.1-21-08

15.1-21-13. Content standards - Translation - Curriculum

Each district shall provide upon request a copy of its content standards in the areas of reading and mathematics, a translation of the district's content standards in the areas of reading and mathematics for individuals who do not have a background in elementary or high school education, and a copy of the curriculum or syllabus used by each teacher of reading and mathematics

15.1-21-14. Test - Availability for viewing

Upon request, a school district must allow any individual over the age of twenty to view any test administered under sections 15.1-21-08 through this section as soon as the test is in the possession of the school district

15.1-21-15. Electronic course delivery - Approval process

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 146, ยง 1

15.1-21-16. Summer school courses and programs - Eligibility for payment

The summer school courses and programs for which a school district may receive payment as provided in section 15.1-27-19 are: kindergarten through eight; 1

a. Remedial mathematics provided to students enrolled in any grade from b. Remedial reading provided to students enrolled in any grade from kindergarten through eight; Beginning after the conclusion of the 2009-10 school calendar, mathematics provided to students enrolled in any grade from five through eight; Beginning after the conclusion of the 2009-10 school calendar, reading provided to students enrolled in any grade from five through eight; Beginning after the conclusion of the 2009-10 school calendar, science provided to students enrolled in any grade from five through eight; and Beginning after the conclusion of the 2009-10 school calendar, social studies provided to students enrolled in any grade from five through eight; and c

Any other high school summer courses that satisfy requirements for graduation, comprise at least as many clock-hours as courses offered during the regular school term, and comply with rules adopted by the superintendent of public instruction

15.1-21-17. Interim assessment

Each school district shall administer annually to students in grades two through ten the measures of academic progress test or any other interim assessment approved by the superintendent of public instruction

Page No. 11 15.1-21-18. Career interest inventory - Educational and career planning - Consultation

A school district shall administer to students, once during their enrollment in grade seven or eight and once during their enrollment in grade nine or ten, a career interest inventory recommended by the department of career and technical education and approved by the superintendent of public instruction

At least once during the seventh or eighth grade, each school district shall arrange for students to participate in either an individual consultative process or a nine-week course, for the purpose of discussing the results of their career interest inventory, selecting high school courses appropriate to their educational pursuits and career interests, and developing individual high school education plans

Each school district shall notify its high school students that, upon request, a student is entitled to receive a consultative review of the student's individual high school education plan at least once during each high school grade. Upon the request of a student, the school district shall provide the consultative review

Each school district shall verify compliance with the requirements of this section at the time and in the manner required by the superintendent of public instruction

15.1-21-19. Summative assessment - Selection - Cost - Exemptions

Except as otherwise provided, each public and nonpublic school student in grade eleven shall take the ACT, including the writing test, or three WorkKeys assessments recommended by the department of career and technical education and approved by the superintendent of public instruction. The student shall determine which summative assessment to take. The superintendent of public instruction is responsible for the cost of procuring and administering one summative assessment per student

The student's career advisor or guidance counselor shall meet with the student to review the student's assessment results

A school district superintendent or a school administrator in the case of a nonpublic school student may exempt a student from the requirements of this section if taking the test is not required by the student's individualized education program plan or if other special circumstances exist

At the time and in the manner determined by the superintendent of public instruction, each school district superintendent and each school administrator in the case of a nonpublic school shall report the number of eleventh grade students who: a

c. Were exempted from the requirements of this section, together with the reason Took the ACT, including the writing test; Took the three WorkKeys assessments; and for each exemption

15.1-21-20. Summative assessment - General educational development diploma - Selection - Cost

Except as otherwise provided, each student pursuing a general educational development diploma may take the ACT or three WorkKeys assessments recommended by the department of career and technical education and approved by the superintendent of public instruction. The student shall determine which summative assessment to take. The school district in which the student resides at the time the student takes the summative assessment is responsible for the cost of one summative assessment and its administration per student

The student's career advisor or guidance counselor shall meet with the student to review the student's assessment results

This section is applicable only to a student who has not reached the age of twenty-one before August first of the year of enrollment

Page No. 12 15.1-21-21. Concepts of personal finance - Inclusion in curriculum

Beginning July 1, 2010, each school district shall ensure that its curriculum for either economics or problems of democracy includes the exposure of students to concepts of personal finance, including: a. Checkbook mechanics, including writing checks, balancing, and statement reconciliation; Saving for larger purchases; Earning power, including jobs for teenagers; Taxation and paycheck withholdings; b

c. Credit, including credit card usage, interest, and fees; d

f. College costs; g. Making and living within a budget; and h. Mortgages, retirement savings, and investments

2. Upon written request, the superintendent of public instruction may allow a school district annually to select courses other than economics or problems of democracy for purposes of exposing students to the concepts of personal finance, as listed in this section, provided the school district can demonstrate that the number of students exposed to the concepts in the other selected courses would meet or exceed the number of students exposed under the requirements of subsection 1

The requirements of this section may be provided by the regular classroom teacher of the course in which the concepts of personal finance are incorporated

15.1-21-22. Required reading of historical documents

Before a student is deemed to have successfully completed either United States government or problems of democracy, as required by section 15.1-21-02.1, the student's school district shall ensure that the student has read the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights

15.1-21-23. Readiness testing and formative assessments - Kindergarten students - School calendar

A school district may conduct readiness testing and formative assessments of incoming kindergarten students. The dates on which the testing and assessments are scheduled may be within the regular school calendar or before the regular school calendar. The school district shall provide to the parents of each incoming kindergarten student the date and time of the student's testing or assessment

A district may consider up to two of the days set aside for readiness testing and formative assessments to be kindergarten instructional days for purposes of section 15.1-06-04. However, the attendance of a kindergarten student on those days is limited to the period of time during which the individual student's testing or assessment is scheduled

15.1-21-24. Health curriculum - Content

Beginning July 1, 2012, each school district and nonpublic school shall ensure that the portion of its health curriculum which is related to sexual health includes instruction pertaining to the risks associated with adolescent sexual activity and the social, psychological, and physical health gains to be realized by abstaining from sexual activity before and outside of marriage

15.1-21-25. High school graduation - Minimum requirements

Redesignated as section 15.1-21-02.2

15.1-21-26. Driver education curriculum - Content - Anatomical gift

Beginning July 1, 2014, each school district shall ensure that its curriculum for driver education includes information regarding the manner in which a student obtaining a driver's license may make an anatomical gift, as provided for in section 23-06.6-04

Page No. 13 2

The school district shall provide notification of the curricular requirement set forth in subsection 1 to the parent of each student enrolled in driver education. The notification may be provided electronically or in written form

15.1-21-27. High school graduation requirement - Civics test

For purposes of this section, "civics test" means the one hundred questions that, as of January 1, 2015, officers of the United States citizenship and immigration services use as the basis for selecting the questions posed to applicants for naturalization, in order that the applicants can demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of United States history and the principles and form of United States government, as required by 8 U.S.C. 1423

If a student is enrolled in the twelfth grade during the 2016-17 school year, that student must, as a condition of receiving a high school diploma, correctly answer at least sixty percent of the questions on the civics test

Before any other student may be awarded a high school diploma, that student must correctly answer at least seventy percent of the questions on the civics test

The requirement set forth in this section applies to each student who is: (1) Enrolled in a public school district; (2) Enrolled in a nonpublic school; (3) Enrolled in the center for distance education; (4) Receiving home education if the student is to be issued a high school diploma in accordance with subsection 1 of section 15.1-23-17; or (5) Pursuing a general equivalency diploma

A student may be exempted from the requirement of this section by the provisions of the student's individualized education program plan

The superintendent of public instruction shall, upon request, provide to the person administering the civics test the correct answer or acceptable answers to each question

A student may take the test, in whole or in part, at any time after enrolling in grade seven and may repeat the test, or any portion thereof, as often as necessary to demonstrate proficiency

6. Neither the superintendent of public instruction nor a school district may impose or collect any fees or charges in connection with this section

This section is applicable to any student who graduates from high school during or after the 2016-17 school year

Page No. 14

Previous Section

Chapter 15.1-20 School Attendance

Next Section

Chapter 15.1-22 Kindergarten