AN ACT to amend and reenact section 15.1-02-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the accreditation of schools.

Added requirement that all accreditation options must meet or exceed state standards and provide measurable student achievement outcomes

Added requirement for superintendent to establish a selection process for accreditation options with input from education stakeholders

Added requirement that superintendent must contract with an accreditation organization to provide state accreditation at no charge to public school districts

Modified superintendent's authority from potentially adopting rules to having specific powers to adopt rules, provide choice of options, establish selection processes, and periodically review effectiveness

Added option for schools to choose nationally recognized accrediting organizations, formal school improvement organizations, or continuous improvement organizations approved by the superintendent

Added cost allocation provision where districts using state-approved accreditation processes are responsible for their own accreditation-related costs