North Dakota Personalized Learning Network

08/21/2026

Hey NDPLN! Check out this upcoming learning opportunity.

Leading in the Age of AI: Navigating Present Challenges and Future Possibilities
This workshop invites education leaders to explore how AI may reshape teaching, learning, and decision-making, while examining current opportunities, tensions, and challenges schools face today.

This session invites education leaders to explore how AI may reshape teaching, learning and decision-making over time, while also considering the immediate opportunities, tensions and challenges schools are navigating today. Participants will: -Explore near- and long-term implications of AI in educa...

08/19/2026

The Journey of Change: Systems Transformation in North Dakota and Minnesota

What does it take to move from isolated innovation to systemwide transformation? In this new story, KnowledgeWorks explores how Minnesota and North Dakota are advancing learner-centered education by building shared vision, common language, and strong partnerships across education systems. Drawing on lessons from both states, the article highlights how trust, collaboration, and collective ownership can help turn promising practices into lasting change.

https://knowledgeworks.org/resources/education-systems-transformation-minnesota-engagemn-north-dakota/

06/26/2026

Across North Dakota, educators are creating learning experiences that are responsive, engaging, and connected to the unique strengths, interests, and aspirations of every learner. Explore this new spotlight series, Personalized Learning in Practice: Lessons from North Dakota Schools, to see how schools and districts are bringing personalized learning to life through learner-centered cultures, student ownership, meaningful relationships, and authentic learning experiences.

Thanks to our partners who made this project possible: FullScale, Valley City State University ND Department of Public Instruction and KnowledgeWorks Foundation

Personalized Learning in Practice: Lessons from North Dakota Schools Across North Dakota, educators are creating learning experiences that are responsive, […]

06/12/2026

What a great few days of learning, connection, and inspiration at the Personalized Learning Institute!

One of the biggest takeaways wasn’t just the ideas we explored, it was the people. Educators and leaders from across North Dakota came together to share experiences, build new relationships, and learn from one another. The momentum is real, and we’re excited about what’s possible when we continue learning together.

The conversation doesn’t end here. Stay connected with NDPLN for workshops, learning cycles, site visits, and collaborative learning opportunities throughout the 2026–27 school year. We’d love to keep the learning going with you.

📅 Mark your calendars:
• October 6 – West Fargo
• December 1 – Bismarck
• March 2 – Location TBD

Join a supportive community of educators committed to making learning more personal for every learner.

06/11/2026

Hey PLI attendees!

You're invited to join us tomorrow morning before Day 2 for Caffeinate & Accelerate, an action-focused conversation to help shape the future of personalized learning across North Dakota.

Bring your brew and help our crew:

✅ Accelerate momentum
✅ Identify priorities
✅ Strengthen network impact
✅ Move from ideas to action

Whether you're a longtime network member or just beginning to explore personalized learning, your voice matters. We'd love your input as we continue building opportunities that support educators and learners across North Dakota.

📍 Jag Den
🗓 June 11
⏰ 8:00–8:20 AM

Bring your coffee, tea, or favorite morning beverage, and join the conversation.

See you there!

06/10/2026

💙 Have questions about the NDPLN or next year’s learning opportunities?

Look for the team in blue today! We’re happy to chat about workshops, learning cycles, site visits, resources, and ways to get involved.

Stop by and say hello—we’d love to connect.

06/10/2026

PLI is almost underway!

The room is filling up, conversations are buzzing, and educators from across North Dakota are gathering to learn, connect, and grow together.

Today’s Personalized Learning Institute is all about building momentum around learner-centered practices, sharing innovative ideas, and strengthening the relationships that help transform learning for students across our state.

We can’t wait to spend the day learning alongside passionate educators who are committed to making learning more relevant, engaging, and empowering for every learner.

Let’s get started!

06/03/2026

Applications for Extension of Waiver of High School Unit Instructional Time Due July 1, 2026

The deadline to apply for a waiver extension for schools currently operating under a Waiver of High School Unit Instructional Time that expires at the end of the 2025–2026 school year is July 1, 2026.

North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) 15.1-21-03 requires that each high school instructional unit (credit) consist of:

150 clock hours of student engagement for science and CTE courses, and
120 clock hours of student engagement for all other subjects.
School districts that wish to implement a class schedule with fewer than the required hours must apply for and receive approval for a waiver of instructional unit time, as outlined in North Dakota Administrative Code (NDAC) 67-19-02.

Please note that waiver applications must be approved by the school board and signed by the board president, so districts should plan accordingly to ensure applications be submitted on time.

Each application must include:

-The 2026–2027 school calendar
-The 2026–2027 class schedule
-School board meeting minutes documenting approval of the waiver application

To apply for a waiver extension, complete and submit the online waiver application by July 1, 2026.

For questions regarding instructional unit time requirements or the waiver application process, please contact Jim Upgren at (701) 328‑2244. Additional information is available on the school calendars section of the NDDPI website.

06/01/2026

Students need more than content knowledge to thrive in the future.

In "Standards as the Vehicle, Competencies as the Goal," Lori Phillips and Ann Ellefson will explore how educators can use standards to help learners strengthen durable skills that transfer into future learning, work, and life.

Attendees will leave with practical ideas for connecting standards-based learning to real-world competencies.

05/29/2026

What if meaningful systems change didn't start with a giant initiative, but with one intentional step?

Educators from Bismarck, Jamestown, Oakes, and Pingree-Buchanan are coming together to share how they are transforming the learner experience in their districts through collaboration, shared vision, and continuous improvement.

In the PLI breakout "Systems Transformation: Start Small but Start Somewhere," attendees will explore real examples of systems-level shifts and learn how meaningful change can begin with a clear purpose and a willingness to take the first step.

Walk away with a shared purpose, the courage to start somewhere, and the willingness to learn alongside others.