Understanding School Testing in North Dakota

School testing requirements in North Dakota continue to evolve, and as of today, the state uses a mix of statewide summative assessments, interim assessments, formative tools, and English language proficiency testing to measure student learning. The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) says its assessment system is designed to support educators, schools, and districts with multiple pieces of evidence about student progress. For families, that means testing is not just about one annual exam; it is part of a broader system intended to track learning over time.

In North Dakota, testing requirements depend on the student's grade level, program, and educational setting. Public school students, English learners, and some home-educated students may all encounter different assessment rules. Because state and federal requirements can change, it is wise to confirm details with the local school district or the NDDPI before assuming a test schedule or exemption applies.

The Current Statewide Assessment System: ND A+

North Dakota's current statewide assessment system is called ND A-PLUS, or ND A+. According to NDDPI, this system includes formative assessments, interim assessments, and a statewide summative assessment. The statewide summative assessment began in Spring 2025 and replaced the earlier NDSA system.

The ND A+ Summative is the main statewide test used to measure student performance against North Dakota content and achievement standards. NDDPI states that it includes general assessments for all students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 10 in English language arts and mathematics, and in grades 4, 8, and 10 in science. This is the core testing structure most families think of when they hear "state testing" in North Dakota.

ND A+ also includes interim assessments and a formative tool called Navvy. These are meant to give teachers more frequent information during the school year, rather than waiting for one end-of-year result. NDDPI describes the interims as checkpoints throughout the year that help measure growth and predict summative performance.

Interim Testing Requirements for Grades K-10

One of the most important current developments in North Dakota testing is the interim assessment requirement. NDDPI says interim assessments must be administered in grades K-10 for mathematics and reading, with at least two administrations required annually. Schools can meet this requirement by using the state-provided interim assessment or by choosing an assessment from the state-approved vendor list.

This requirement matters because it expands testing beyond the traditional spring state exam. In practice, it means many North Dakota students may take assessments multiple times each year in reading and math. The goal is not simply to test more often, but to give schools timely data that can guide instruction and intervention.

NDDPI also notes that any interim assessment vendor operating in North Dakota must electronically share assessment data with the state longitudinal data system. That detail reflects how seriously the state treats data reporting and alignment across districts.

What Parents Should Know About Opting Out

North Dakota law gives parents a limited right to direct a school district not to administer a state test or state assessment required under state law. NDDPI says this parental directive process comes from House Bill 1389, which went into effect on August 1, 2017. Parents must complete a separate form for each student and each assessment they want to withhold, and the form must be completed each year.

That means opting out is not a one-time blanket decision. It is a specific annual process, and districts must keep the form in the student's file and report the information. Families considering this option should review the district's policy carefully, because the process is administrative and may affect how the school tracks participation.

Even when a parent has concerns about testing, it is important to understand the difference between a state-required assessment and a classroom quiz or local benchmark. The parental directive described by NDDPI applies to state tests and state assessments required by law, not necessarily every assessment a school may use for instruction.

Testing Rules for Home-Educated Students

Home education in North Dakota has its own testing rules. NDDPI states that while in grades four, six, eight, and ten, each child receiving home education must take a standardized achievement test used by the school district in which the child resides. If the parent does not want the district test, the child must take a nationally normed standardized achievement test of the parent's choice and submit the scores.

This is a significant distinction. Home-educated students are not exempt from testing simply because they are educated at home. Instead, the state uses testing as part of its oversight of reasonable academic progress. If a child's basic composite score falls below the 30th percentile nationally, a multidisciplinary assessment team must evaluate the child for a potential learning problem. If the child is not disabled and the family continues home education, a remediation plan may be required.

For families homeschooling in North Dakota, testing is therefore not only a compliance issue but also a progress-monitoring tool. Parents should keep records carefully and understand that the district may have responsibilities related to test administration, cost, and follow-up.

English Learner Testing and Other Required Assessments

North Dakota also administers ACCESS for ELLs, the state's English language development assessment. This test is used for students who are identified as English learners and is part of the state's compliance with federal requirements. NDDPI lists ACCESS for ELLs alongside ND A+ and the North Dakota Alternate Assessment as part of its assessment services.

Students with significant cognitive disabilities may participate in the North Dakota Alternate Assessment, or NDAA. This alternate pathway is designed for students whose needs are not met by the general assessment system. As with other testing programs, eligibility and participation are guided by state and federal rules, as well as student-specific educational plans.

NDDPI also coordinates NAEP, the National Assessment of Educational Progress, in accordance with federal law. NAEP is not a North Dakota graduation test, but it may be administered to selected students as part of a national sample.

Why These Testing Requirements Matter

Testing requirements in North Dakota are not just about accountability. They influence how schools identify learning gaps, how teachers adjust instruction, and how districts report progress to families and the state. The current system reflects a shift toward more frequent, standards-aligned assessment rather than relying on a single annual test alone.

For parents, the practical takeaway is simple: know which tests apply to your child, when they are given, and whether your child's situation changes the rules. A student in a public school, a student learning English, a student with an IEP, and a home-educated student may all have different assessment obligations.

For educators, the challenge is balancing compliance with instructional usefulness. North Dakota's A+ system appears designed to do both, using formative, interim, and summative assessments to create a fuller picture of student learning.

Key Takeaways for North Dakota Families

• North Dakota's statewide summative assessment is now ND A+, which began in Spring 2025.
• Students in grades 3-8 and 10 are assessed in English language arts and math, and students in grades 4, 8, and 10 are assessed in science.
• Interim assessments are required in grades K-10 for reading and math, with at least two administrations each year.
• Parents may use a formal annual directive to withhold certain state assessments, but the process is specific and must be repeated each year.
• Home-educated students in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 must take standardized achievement tests under state law.
• English learners and some students with disabilities may take different assessments based on state and federal rules.

As of today, North Dakota's testing requirements are best understood as a layered system: statewide summative testing, interim progress checks, and specialized assessments for certain student groups. Families who stay informed can better navigate the process and support student success without confusion.

Because assessment rules can change with new legislation, district policies, or updated guidance from NDDPI, the safest approach is to verify current requirements with your local school or the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction before the testing window begins.

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Information is sourced from publicaly available information and may be inaccurate