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Learn Everywhere program: Northern Cass leads state in testing school‑outside‑the‑classroom credits
Summary
DPI told legislators that the "Learn Everywhere" statute allows districts to award credit for approved learning outside school; Northern Cass reported multiple sponsoring entities and a range of community learning experiences, but uptake across the state remains limited.
The committee received a report on the statutory "Learn Everywhere" program, which allows local school districts or nonpublic schools to adopt policies permitting students in grades 6–12 to earn course credit for approved educational opportunities with outside sponsoring entities.
What the law does: The program (North Dakota Century Code 15.1735) lets a school board approve proposals from businesses, nonprofit groups, trade associations, parents or other sponsoring entities; approved proposals must identify the state course code, a licensed teacher of record and a way for students to demonstrate proficiency. DPI rules (ND Administrative Code 67‑19‑04) require that the department be notified of approved proposals; DPI does not formally approve the proposals but can request evaluation data and can revoke approval if a program does not meet agreed terms.
How one district used it: Jim Uppgren of DPI described Northern Cass as the most active user of the program. Northern Cass has partnered with sponsoring entities including 4‑H, Best Robotics, Boy Scouts, Sanford EMS clinical experiences, JAGTracks (online Spanish instruction), music instructors for individual study, and a new philanthropy‑and‑youth grantmaking program. Students earn course credit mapped to state course codes—examples include STEM seminar, citizenship (social studies elective), community development (agriculture curriculum), individual instrumental music study and supervised occupational experience.
Student feedback and assessment: Northern Cass presented written student reflections that described academic gains, teamwork, leadership, technical skills and practical workplace experience. DPI said participating programs must submit annual evaluation data; if an evaluation shows the program fails to support student outcomes, DPI can recommend changes or revoke local approval.
Statewide uptake: Aside from Northern Cass, Jamestown has a board policy to allow Learn Everywhere proposals but has not yet recorded any sponsoring entities. DPI staff said it is possible some districts are running similar activities but have not filed required notices; DPI plans outreach and support to increase adoption and clarify requirements.
Why it matters: The statute provides a way to formalize learning that happens outside the classroom—apprenticeships, internships, club‑based projects, private lessons—and convert that learning into high‑school credit when a licensed teacher accepts responsibility for standards alignment and assessment.
Ending: DPI told the committee it will promote awareness of the program and work to collect a complete statewide picture of participation so the department can better support districts that want to use outside sponsors to expand learning opportunities.
