NDCDE Cybersecurity and Computer Science Standards Integration Plan
The North Dakota Center for Distance Education (NDCDE) is committed to supporting North Dakota schools in meeting the state's content standards for cybersecurity and computer science. As part of this effort, NDCDE has developed a comprehensive plan to integrate these critical subjects into its K-12 curriculum, reflecting its dedication to educational excellence and innovation.
Alignment with State Standards
In response to NDCC 15.1-21-01(2) and 15.1-21-02(2)(b), NDCDE has aligned the majority of the state’s computer science and cybersecurity standards across all grade levels. This alignment ensures students gain robust and recurrent exposure to these vital concepts through core courses and technology-specific offerings.
Resource for Schools
A one-page summary detailing how computer science and cybersecurity standards are incorporated into NDCDE's curriculum is available here: https://www.cde.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/Images/cs_integration_plan.png. Schools can use this resource to identify NDCDE courses that align with their local curricula to help meet these standards.
Requirements for Diploma Students
Beginning in 2025, NDCDE will strongly encourage diploma program students to complete one credit of cybersecurity or computer science coursework to fulfill the new graduation standards. Students who opt not to complete a full credit will meet the new cybersecurity and computer science requirements through the NDCDE integration plan. These students will be required to engage with at least 30 of the cybersecurity and computer science standards outlined in NDCDE’s curricular map.
Adoption and Amendments
This integration plan was adopted in June 2024 and available here: https://www.cde.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/PDFs/ndcde_cs_cyber_standards_integration_plan_2.pdf.. Any future amendments to the standards alignment with NDCDE courses will be documented in an addendum, which will be posted to this page.
For further details about the NDCDE Cybersecurity and Computer Science Standards Integration Plan, contact us at info@ndcde.org .