To ensure a uniform, statewide system for effective learning as illustrated through its goals:

1. Align all elements of public education to help students achieve academic success.
2. Promote health and wellness initiatives that provide a safe and nurturing environment that encourages community involvement and embraces diversity.
3. Ensure a comprehensive system of accountability for results-based decision making.
4. Build capacity to ensure a uniform educational system that meets or exceeds established standards.

• Administer USDA child nutrition programs, nutrition education and training programs, and commodity assistance for schools, institutions and low-income individuals.
• Administer the Title IV Safe and Drug Free Schools program and coordinate health education, including AIDS prevention.
• Prescribe state and federal rules and regulations for special education and assist school districts in the development and administration of special education programs.
• Administer the department's education accountability efforts, the development of state content and achievement standards, administer the state and federal language acquisition programs, administer the North Dakota State Assessment and the National Assessment of Education Progress test programs and other statewide professional development opportunities and Innovative Programs.
• Provide financial assistance to state and local educational agencies to meet the needs of educationally deprived, at-risk children. Provide instructional services and activities to meet the needs of disadvantaged children, including programs for migrant education and education of homeless children.
• Provide information technology and data management services to state and local agencies, school personnel and legislators.
• Assist K-12 schools in providing quality education, administer the accreditation program and review public and nonpublic schools for statutory compliance. Coordinate state and federal monitoring processes.
• Supervise the distribution of state aid and assist with the implementation of the uniform accounting system. Provide technical assistance to schools and school districts.