This article published today in the Bismarck Tribune indicates that North Dakota is one of the highest complying states with No Child Left Behind, in spite of difficulties raised by North Dakota’s rural nature.

 From the article (Italicized area added):

In a visit to Bismarck, (Deputy Secretary of Education) Ray Simon met with education leaders from across the state to address their questions and concerns with the federal program. In the audience were superintendents, education association presidents and business leaders. State Superintendent Wayne Sanstead led the discussion.

Simon said the state has dealt well with its thinly spread population to achieve one of the nation’s highest rates of compliance with the act.

“You’ve got some unique issues here that need to be recognized,” he said.

Among those unique issues is the de-population of our already rural areas, which has caused some rural schools to consolidate.  Simon said some changes may be coming in the next version.  If it is accepted, it will be interesting to see how it affects ND.