A group of 15 newcomer students from Bismarck High School visited the North Dakota Supreme Court on April 23 as part of their social studies program.
The visit was intended to give students firsthand experience with the state’s judicial system and support both academic and language development. The students are currently learning English at a beginning level, and educators aimed to extend their learning beyond the classroom into the community.
During their time at the Supreme Court, students observed the courtroom and learned about how the judiciary functions in North Dakota. The environment provided opportunities for visual learning, vocabulary development, and practice with listening and speaking skills in an authentic setting.
This activity is part of a broader educational initiative that includes visits to other important state institutions such as the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Capitol. These experiences are designed to help newcomer students build background knowledge, improve communication skills, and gain a deeper understanding of cultural and historical topics.
Educators said interactive visits like this allow English learners to engage directly with civic institutions while practicing language skills in real-world contexts.

