Hotline // December 3, 2025

VCSU Selected to Lead North Dakota Network for Personalized Learning

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) has selected Valley City State University (VCSU) to serve as the intermediary for the North Dakota Network for Personalized Learning (NDNPL), a statewide initiative to advance innovation, student engagement, and personalized learning across K–12 and higher education.

The NDNPL will connect educators, district leaders, and partners from across the state to co-design strategies, share best practices, and scale innovative approaches that reflect the diverse strengths and needs of North Dakota learners.

Personalized Learning, also referred to as Personalized, Competency Based Learning or Mastery Learning, focuses on a learners’ individual strengths, needs, and interests. Personalized learning practices allow for access to instruction, supports, and differentiated ways for learners to demonstrate what they know and can do, ensuring each learner graduates choice ready to positively impact the world.

Through a $1 million legislative investment, VCSU will establish and coordinate the North Dakota Center for Innovation and Personalized Learning, which will serve as the hub for advancing learner-centered practices that promote agency, equity, and well-being for every North Dakota student.

“North Dakota has been a national leader in innovation and personalized learning,” said Dr. Allen Burgad, Dean of the School of Education and Graduate Studies at VCSU. “Serving as the intermediary allows us to build on that foundation — aligning teacher preparation, leadership development, and school innovation around a shared vision that supports both student learning and educator wellness.”

As intermediary, VCSU will guide and evaluate the statewide scope of work, including:

Supporting district and school innovation through professional learning, coaching, and evidence-based implementation models.
Aligning higher education and K–12 systems to ensure future educators are prepared to design and deliver personalized learning experiences.
Building professional networks that connect educators, leaders, and partners focused on transforming learning for every student.
Measuring statewide progress using clearly defined success criteria focused on learner engagement, inclusion, and postsecondary readiness.

“VCSU’s leadership brings strong alignment between the university system and our state’s educational priorities,” said Ann Ellefson, Director for Academic Support at NDDPI. “The establishment of the North Dakota Center for Innovation and Personalized Learning will amplify the great work already happening in our schools and ensure it continues to grow with fidelity, purpose, and sustainability.”

Read the full story: https://www.vcsu.edu/vcsu-selected-to-lead-north-dakota-network-for-personalized-learning/

"The Sketchbook Project" Opens at VCSU Arts Gallery

Valley City State University’s Center for the Arts Gallery is honored to host The Sketchbook Project, the world’s largest collection of artist sketchbooks, from December 1 through January 16.

The exhibit is available for public viewing during regular gallery hours at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and by appointment. Visitors are encouraged to hold the books and flip through the pages to immerse themselves in these intimate works.

Started in 2006 in Atlanta, Georgia, by founders Steven Peterman and Shane Zucker, The Sketchbook Project began as a grassroots effort to connect artists and communities through the intimate medium of sketchbooks. In 2009, the project moved to its permanent home at the Brooklyn Art Library in New York City, where it grew into a global phenomenon.

Over the years, the collection amassed 28,000 sketchbooks created by thousands of artists representing nearly 100 countries. Each five-by-seven-inch, paper-bound book holds unique contributions—ranging from love letters and diary entries to graphic novels and intricately detailed masterpieces. Since its inception, the project has offered an unparalleled glimpse into the creative process and personal narratives of artists worldwide.

When the nonprofit closed in 2023, the collection was divided among four institutions to ensure its preservation and accessibility: The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, Tucson, Arizona; Stove Works, Chattanooga, Tennessee; Wonder’neath Art Society, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; and the Taube Museum of Art, Minot, N.D.

The Taube Museum now curates this diverse representation of artistry in countless ways, making it available for communities to experience. Unlike most exhibitions, this exhibit invites touch. Visitors are encouraged to hold the books, flip through their pages, feel the textures, and immerse themselves in the thoughts, feelings, and life stories that artists have poured into these intimate works.

VCSU Teacher Candidates Experience Personalized Learning in South Dakota

A group of twenty-one preservice teachers traveled to Adventure Elementary in Harrisburg, S.D. to see personalized learning in action, led by VCSU School of Education faculty members, Dr. Allen Burgad and Joan Klein. The entire group was inspired by the school’s culture, where personalized learning is not just a philosophy but a lived reality.

Elementary education majors saw high levels of student engagement, academic confidence and learners managing their independent schedules. The elementary students not only knew what they were learning, but could articulate their goals with clarity and excitement. Many were amazed by the students’ academic vocabulary, critical thinking skills and willingness to share their academic experiences with visitors. Their teachers facilitated learning, acting as coaches rather than lecturers, building strong relationships with students through targeted and individualized support. The absence of students’ behavioral challenges made a powerful impression. When students are empowered and truly want to be in school, it’s a game changer for on-task learning.

Most of the VCSU teacher candidates will begin their student teaching field experiences in January. This school observation highlighted innovative educational practices that can be adapted to any classroom.

VCSU Music performing Christmas Concert on Dec. 7

The Valley City State University music department invites the community to its Christmas Concert at VCSU on Sunday, December 7, at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts.

The concert begins at 3:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The joyful event features the VCSU Concert Choir, Brass Ensemble and Woodwind Ensemble performing a variety of holiday favorites.

Under the direction of Heather Aune, the VCSU Concert Choir will present several holiday classics, including “Peace, Peace (Silent Night)” and “Joy to the World.”

The Woodwind Ensemble, led by Dr. Jeremy Wohletz, and the Brass Ensemble, directed by Mr. Jerrold Heide, will each perform two pieces at the concert.

Make plans to join VCSU Music on Dec. 7 for an afternoon of beautiful holiday music.

Woodwind Ensemble

Ela Day Child, flute, Music Ed, Fairmount

Eli Leik, clarinet, Music General Studies, Pettibone

Jonica Taylor, flute, Physical Science, Circle, Mont.

Edwin Johnson, soprano saxophone, Music General Studies, West Fargo

Carter Johnson, tenor saxophone, Audio Production, Fargo

Jayden Moser, tenor saxophone, Music Ed, Jamestown

Annabelle Dolecheck, bass clarinet, Music Ed, Dickinson

Colby Hanson, bass clarinet, Audio Production, Aberdeen, S.D.

Concert Choir

Sopranos:

Celia Larsen, Music Education, Kindred

Jaycee Richter, Health Science & Chemistry, Linton

Jonica Taylor, Sports Management & Leadership, Circle, Mont.

Altos:

Jenna Volson, Undecided, Minot

Clarissa Zander, B.A. Elementary Ed. ’18, M.A. Ed. ’22, Valley City

Matthew Johnson, Non-Major, Valley City

Baritones:

Wyatt Landeis, Music Performance, Mandan

Richard Sheppard, Elementary Ed., Fargo

Narve Ueland, Music General Studies, Cooperstown

Harrison Wentz, Music Performance, Dickinson

Luke Willman, Cybersecurity, Almont

Jaden Steele, Cybersecurity, Grandin

Brass Ensemble

Wyatt Landeis, Music Performance, Mandan

Gabe Fodera, Music Education, West Fargo

Jaydin Rombs, Music Education, Aberdeen, SD

Heather Lewis, Music Education, Blaine, MN

Nyssa Haslerud, Music Education, West Fargo

Light and Sound Technician: Haylee Spurgeon

Viking Sports Update

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
The Vikings have been idle on the basketball court since November 22. They will be back on the court after the two-week hiatus that was caused by bad weather and the postponement of their November 25 game with Trinity Bible College. This weekend, VCSU heads to Bellevue, Neb. to play Bellevue University Friday. Women tipoff at 5 p.m., men tipoff at 7 p.m. On Saturday, the Vikings head to Madison, S.D. for a date with Dakota State. Again, the Women tipoff at 5 p.m. and the Men at 7 p.m.

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD
The Vikings track and field teams will open the indoor season this Saturday when they travel to Bismarck for the Mike Thorson Open at the University of Mary. The Vikings have a total of 27 athletes returning from last year’s squad, 18 men and nine women. The meet starts at 10 a.m.

THE BCT TOURNAMENT
The Girls Barnes County Tournament presented by Farmer’s Union Insurance will be held at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse on Tuesday, December 9, Thursday, December 11 and Friday, December 12. Eight teams will be participating in this year’s tournament. The teams in this year’s tournament are Northern Cass, Wyndmere-Lidgerwood, Valley City, Warwick, LaMoure/Litchville-Marion, South Border, Maple River and Enderlin. Games begin at 3 pm each day.

What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City...

December 7
VCSU Christmas Concert

Find out what’s happening at VCSU: https://www.vcsu.edu/news-events/

Find out what’s happening in the community: https://www.valleycitycalendar.com/