NE North Dakota News

Minot State University has announced a collaboration with the Central Regional Education Association (CREA) and Anderson, Conn, and Tenam-Zemach Consulting, LLC, also known as Drop the Knowledge. Together, they have developed the CP2R Classroom Observation Tool, which has received approval from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction for use in public PK-12 schools across the state.

The tool was created by Minot State’s Nathan Anderson and Dan Conn, alongside Michelle Tenam-Zemach and Erica Alstad. It offers a comprehensive method for evaluating teachers based on person-environment fit literature. The focus is on aligning individuals with their environment through the CPR Success and Failure Analysis framework.

"Using CP2R language and tools in schools can help cultivate robust learning environments," said Nathan Anderson. "With suitable conditions and healthy mindsets, we believe all educators and learners are capable of positively impacting themselves and others."

Luke Schaefer, CEO of CREA, emphasized the timeliness of this development: "As teacher retention and recruitment efforts are sought, a solution that allows educators to renew their passions couldn’t come at a better time."

The framework includes four domains: capacity, passion, presence, and relevance. A pilot study was conducted last spring in collaboration with Minot State University and Minot Public Schools. Due to its success, another pilot will take place in Fall 2024 across North Dakota schools.

During this second pilot study, administrators and teachers will have access to professional development sessions along with optional coaching from trained consultants at Drop the Knowledge. Participants can also earn graduate credits through MSU.

"The CP2R classroom evaluation system is a game changer for schools,” stated Michelle Tenam-Zemach. “It provides words needed to build open communication within schools.”