North Dakota Schools Explore Accreditation Options Amid Continuous Improvement Process

The Administrative Rules Committee of the North Dakota Legislature convened on September 2, 2025, to discuss key issues surrounding school accreditation and approval processes. The meeting began with a presentation from Mister Uprin, who provided insights into the distinctions between school approval and accreditation. He noted that while public schools in North Dakota are generally approved and accredited, there is a growing interest among schools to explore alternative accreditation options.

Arlene Wolf, the director of the Office of School Approval and Opportunity, elaborated on this trend, indicating that many public schools are seeking different accreditation pathways while still intending to maintain their accreditation status. She emphasized that all public schools are currently accredited, but some are looking for options that better align with their operational needs.

Committee members raised questions regarding the recognition of accreditation organizations. It was clarified that the Federal Department of Education recognizes certain colleges and universities, but the process for K-12 institutions is less formalized. The committee discussed the importance of ensuring that accreditation vendors are reliable and recognized by other states.

Concerns were also addressed regarding the current accreditation vendors in North Dakota. While no significant issues were reported, it was noted that some districts are exploring other vendors for continuous improvement processes. Cognia, a vendor currently used by several large districts, is in discussions to become a recognized accreditation agency.

The meeting concluded with no further questions for Mister Uprin or Wolf, and the committee moved on to the next agenda item, which involved a presentation from the Secretary of State's office. Overall, the discussions highlighted a proactive approach by North Dakota schools to enhance their accreditation processes while ensuring compliance with state standards.