CDE Introduction Video
The following is an introduction to the North Dakota Center for Distance Education. It covers the agency's service offerings and a brief history.
Mission, Vision, & Values
The Center for Distance Education's (CDE) mission is to provide virtual education to support North Dakota's K-12 schools. It offers all students access to extensive educational opportunities, allowing them to achieve their personal goals and reach their full potential. CDE is innovative and quality-focused in its approach to educational delivery and its scope of services to foster the strength of North Dakota's future.
Our Vision is to transform education by becoming a national leader in virtual learning, using innovative, research-based practices to maximize student engagement and success. We are committed to supporting schools, investing in staff, and driving educational advancements.
Our Core Values define how we operate. We are:
- Barrier breakers
- Bridge builders
- Flexibility fluent,
We aspire to be:
- Fearless innovators
- Quality conscious
- Considerately collaborative
Download the full NDCDE Playbook.
History
The North Dakota Center for Distance Education (NDCDE) was established in 1935 by the North Dakota Legislative Assembly as the state’s first high school correspondence program, founded by T.W. Thordarson. Over the years, NDCDE has expanded its role in distance learning, with the legislature approving name changes and governance shifts to support its growth. In 2007, it was renamed NDCDE and now provides K-12 virtual education, CTE, and dual credit courses. As a state agency, NDCDE currently operates under the Department of Public Instruction, continuing its commitment to high-quality online education for North Dakota students.
Strategic Plan
The North Dakota Center for Distance Education (NDCDE) is committed to driving excellence in virtual learning through our 2024-2025 Strategic Plan. This plan focuses on four key themes: Improving Student Outcomes, Exceeding Stakeholder Expectations, Leveraging Innovation, and Optimizing Efficiency. These pillars guide our efforts to enhance student success, meet the evolving needs of schools, and remain at the forefront of educational technology.
Explore NDCDE's Strategic Plan.