STATE FUNDING GUIDE

North Dakota

North Dakota’s 2021 science-of-reading law (NDCC 15.1-21-12.1, effective July 2022) requires every district to implement scientifically based literacy instruction, materials, and programs in grades K-3 and to train K-3 teachers and principals in evidence-based reading practices. No dedicated state literacy fund was identified for curriculum purchases; the main earmarked literacy money currently flows through NDDPI’s federally funded ND CLIMBS subgrants, and districts otherwise typically use federal Title I/IDEA funds for intervention purchases.

NDCC 15.1-21-12.1 (2021 science of reading law)

How schools fund reading intervention in North Dakota

The state-level programs below are the streams North Dakota districts most often use for evidence-based reading intervention purchases, alongside the federal streams available everywhere.

ND CLIMBS (Comprehensive Literacy State Development subgrants)

NDDPI won a 2024 federal CLSD award (about $44.9 million over the grant period) and must competitively subgrant at least 95% to districts, with 40% of funds serving K-5 students; awarded districts can spend subgrant funds on evidence-based literacy curriculum, intervention materials, and professional development.

Federal Title I / IDEA (default route)

No dedicated state literacy fund identified for district curriculum purchases; districts typically use Title I, Part A or IDEA funds to buy Tier 2/3 reading intervention programs that satisfy the K-3 scientifically based materials requirement.

Approved-list note: North Dakota has no mandatory state-approved program list; NDDPI curriculum guidance directs districts to select scientifically based K-3 materials, pointing to tools like The Reading League Curriculum Evaluation Tool and approved lists from other science-of-reading states.

Official state resource →