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Future Critical IssuesThe Department of Public Instruction has identified nine major trends and issues that will affect education in North Dakota and impact the Department and the services it provides. These trends provide the impetus for change in the next five years. Shifting DemographicsNorth Dakota has been experiencing a declining population, primarily because of the lack of economic opportunity and the “boom and bust” nature of the state’s primary revenue sources. The declining population is tied very closely to a shrinking tax base, which reduces resources available to provide education services. However, the reduction in population and resources has not reduced the demand for continued education opportunities across the entire state. Because of low salaries, more and more licensed educators are being attracted to other states or choose other fields of employment. North Dakota is experiencing teacher shortages in areas such as special education, mathematics, physical science, bilingual education, music, biological science and foreign languages. School transportation is a significant expenditure item in the operation of ND schools. As a result of the current decline in enrollment in rural areas, bus routes tend to become longer with fewer students being transported. TechnologyThe emerging potential for distance education has been created, in part, by factors like declining population, out-migration, home education, choice in education and the Internet. The development of technology is user-focused and will bring greater education opportunities to our schools and our homes. The Department of Public Instruction and local school districts are converting to an electronic reporting system and district administrative offices are being connected to the Internet. Increased reliance on technology, while increasing access to information and the outside world, also brings an increased pressure on the state’s ability to provide equipment, training and software within the educational system. Demands for funding and service will continue to escalate. Increased DiversityPublic education is being challenged, not only by limited financial and human resources, but also by philosophical differences, a greater demand for community input, and emphasis on diversity/equity, assessment concerns and services to special needs and at-risk students. As student populations become more diverse, education is becoming more student-centered. There is a growing expectation that education should be more personalized and learning objectives should be more relevant and encourage critical thinking skills. Life long learning opportunities are becoming the norm. Strengthening Community and Building PartnershipsBuilding community relationships and making them successful is a continuing challenge. It is more important than ever to collaborate and partner with other agencies and private enterprise in establishing schools that are efficient in delivering the very best opportunities to North Dakota students. Public schools must respond to the needs of the community. We must build cooperative and collaborative arrangements between schools and their communities that are based on shared needs and a shared sense of purpose. School OrganizationAs community and state demographics change, schools will need to be able to adjust organizationally in order to continue needed services. Cooperating with neighbors in academic programming, joint administration, transportation, technology and other areas may all be in the mix of finding the best way to deliver educational services. he state must be able to provide ways for districts to cooperate, facilitate and promote learning. Continued realignment of districts through reorganization must also be facilitated by the state. FlexibilityBoth state and federal agencies recognize the need to provide schools flexibility in meeting education needs. The United States Department of Education allows state agencies to request waivers from statutory and regulatory requirements if those requirements impede education improvement efforts. Federal testing requirements have been eliminated, providing the state, districts and schools with greater decision-making flexibility, more accountability and increased reliability in data reporting. The Department of Education continues to allow targeted federal funds to be used along with other federal, state, and local education funds to upgrade and reform entire instructional programs in schools for all students. Similarly, the state offers increased flexibility in accreditation standards, coupled with greater accountability for student achievement. AccountabilityThere is an emerging need to measure accountability of student achievement and what this may mean for the state. The emphasis on high academic standards with aligned curriculum, assessment and professional development extends to disabled and disadvantaged students as well as general education students. Greater Social IssuesSchools must deal with increased social problems in addition to academic needs. The recent upsurge in school violence across the nation has impacted North Dakota and presented additional challenges for us to prepare and assist schools in responding to new safety obstacles. This adds strain as educators attempt to serve as substitute parents, health experts, law enforcement officers and social workers. Healthy Learning EnvironmentThere is a need for schools to create an environment that is conducive to learning. Many factors in the school setting impact student learning. It is imperative that educational leaders and communities ensure that schools offer coordinated school health programs, have the ability to respond to student health issues, provide food services that offer good nutritional choices, implement policies that support healthy lifestyles, and provide a safe environment. |
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