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DPI reports compliance progress on 'science of reading' law and secures large federal literacy grant
Summary
DPI told lawmakers it has reviewed hundreds of district reports on required K–3 reading training, is administering a new large federal literacy grant (NDCLIMB), and convened a literacy task force to study dyslexia and teacher preparation.
DPI staff briefed the committee on the state’s literacy work, including the implementation status of the 2021 reading law often described in testimony as the “science of reading” requirement.
Anne Ellifson, director of academic support at DPI, summarized the law’s three core elements: (1) professional development for K–3 teachers and principals, (2) required use of scientifically based instructional materials and approaches, and (3) assessment and intervention processes for K–3 students. Ellifson said DPI reviewed 172 district reports in its most recent review cycle; districts can receive 1‑, 2‑ or 3‑year approvals based on the department’s review of progress.
Ellifson described the department’s technical assistance through Regional Education Associations and a public online “educational hub” of training resources. She said REAs have supported thousands of educators across varying intensities of training (introductory, medium and high intensity courses such as LETRS), and that DPI has used federal COVID relief and other funds to cover many course costs.
DPI also described a major federal award it received for a statewide literacy initiative, the North Dakota Comprehensive Literacy Improvement Grant (NDCLIMB): officials said the grant totals roughly $44.8 million over multiple years and that about 95% of the funds are slated to go to participating schools and early‑learning programs. Ellifson said the department opened a competitive application process and expected the first school‑level awards to be distributed after review of applications.
The department also reported on a legislatively mandated literacy task force that reviewed dyslexia policy, educator training and statutory language; DPI posted the task force report and related materials and held public listening sessions in 2024.
Why it matters: The literacy measures affect curriculum choices, district professional development and assessment practices statewide. DPI told the committee it will continue monitoring implementation and providing technical assistance to districts with partial approvals.
