Gov. Doug Burgum is creating a task force on Innovation in Education.
Burgum said the current educational system – which has been in place for generations – is at a crossroads.
"The traditional model, which was a 'one-to-many,' classroom-focused, book-centric approach is not really reflective of the tools we have available in the 21st century," Burgum told reporters. "That's not the most effective approach."
Burgum said the task force will look at ways schools can turn out students who are problem solvers. He said it will consist of 11 to 15 members.
The task force will identify potential changes in K-12 education – to meet the demands of the workforce.
"We've got to provide students with innovative, project-based experiential learning opportunities that help them better-prepare to be global citizens and life-long learners," Burgum said.
Burgum said technology is changing everything – and the workforce needs to adapt to that change.
"If you're 30, 40, 50 years old, you'd better be a continuous learner in this economy," Burgum said. "We have to figure out a way as a state to support people with life-long learning. It's no longer a world where you get a degree, a piece of paper, and you have job security. That world is gone."
The task force will meet in Bismarck October 12th. Burgum said he will be accepting applications for membership through October 4th.
