North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board

ABOUT North Dakota is one of the 22 states that has moved the profession forward by authorizing an independent board of ten educators, administrators, school board members, and teacher educators. The board is appointed by the Governor to two 3-year terms. In 1995, the ESPB became an independent board with the responsibility of teacher licensure, teacher education program approval, professional development and professional practices. As an independent board it carries out its duties funded by the licensure fees of the educators in North Dakota. GOALS Licensure - The Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) will ensure that all educators licensed in North Dakota have met all ND standards. - The ESPB will establish and regularly review a system of initial certification, renewal, and endorsement based on current professional knowledge of research and best practice. - The ESPB will communicate the licensure process and the importance of professional licensure to all those involved with education in ND. - The ESPB will seek coordination and alignment of certification, credentialing, and accreditation standards and processes. - The ESPB will establish and maintain relations with professional groups that share its mission. Program Approval - The ESPB will establish a process of continual review and refinement of standards that reflect current research and knowledge. - The ESPB will ensure broad input from professionals in the field. - The ESPB will establish and maintain relations with professional groups that share its mission. Professional Development - The ESPB will develop methods for adoption and application of its model for inservice education and staff development. - The ESPB will recommend and encourage the use of effective practices for professional development. - The ESPB will continually research the effective practices for professional development and refine its model accordingly. - The ESPB will relate its model and knowledge of effective practices for professional development to the certification renewal and program approval processes. - The ESPB will establish and maintain relations with professional groups that share its mission. Professional Practices - The Educator's Code of Ethics will promote educator behaviors that will foster a safe, positive, and effective learning environment for students. - The ESPB will uphold the educational licensure laws of the state of North Dakota. - The ESPB will uphold the standards of the profession and the Educators Code of Ethics through its review of complaints. - The ESPB will give impartial consideration to all complaints filed against ND educators. Administration Responsibilities - The ESPB will employ a staff that understands and supports the mission of the board. - The ESPB will be recognized by its constituents as the agency responsible for ensuring the high standards of North Dakota educators. - The ESPB will work with policy makers to develop legislation that supports its mission. - The ESPB will uphold and implement the laws and rules that affect its mission. - The ESPB will actively engage in adoption and modification of policies and procedures which support its mission. - The ESPB and its staff will responsibly manage its fiscal resources in accordance with its mission.