Adapting Cybersecurity Standards for K–12 Education
In North Dakota, school districts are given the choice to implement a one-credit cybersecurity course for high school students or create an integration plan that incorporates cybersecurity standards across all grade levels.
“Whenever you add a required credit for a student, you take away an opportunity they might have to take an elective for something else,” explains Jennifer Hess, from Fargo Public Schools.
During the 2023-2024 school year, Fargo Public Schools and Grand Forks Public Schools worked on developing integration plans to meet the new standards while still providing students with a variety of options.
Eric Ripley, from Grand Forks Public Schools, highlighted how existing classes could naturally align with cybersecurity standards, making the integration process smoother for instructors.
Collaboration played a key role in the development of these integration plans. Fargo Public Schools reached out to other districts in the state, while also working closely with Bismarck Public Schools on similar initiatives.
Additionally, involving various stakeholders ensured that the integration plans were comprehensive and well-rounded.