2017-2019 Legislative Updates

EDUCATION INITIATIVES FOR THE NEW NEVADA

In the last biennium, Governor Sandoval proposed an ambitious plan to improve the education system across Nevada. With the legislature supportive of the policy and budget, the State Board of Education, Department of Education, Districts, and Charter Schools implemented the initiatives aimed at improving educational opportunities for all students. The Governor’s Recommended Budget for the 2017-2019 Biennium maintains and expands these programs evidencing the Governor’s ongoing commitment to our “Generations to Come.” This budget reflects enhancements to programs that will continue to serve the full spectrum of grades and the diverse needs of students and educators. A partial list of the Governor’s ongoing commitment and responsible investment proposed in his budget is included below; full details are available at the Nevada State Budget Office.

• Nevada State Budget Office (external Link)

CONTINUED EMPHSASIS ON LITERACY AND EARLY LEARNERS

• Fund Preschool Development Grant Match ($13.78 Million)
• Maintain Voluntary Full Day Kindergarten ($170 Million)
• Read by Grade Three ($44.5 Million)

MAKE RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENTS TO MODERNIZE THE NEVADA PLAN

• Increase Special Education Weight ($30 Million)
• Maintain Special Education Contingent Account ($5 Million)
• Maintain Zoom Schools Program and Expand Services to MS/HS ($142 Million)
• Maintain and Expand Victory Schools Program ($80 Million)
• Maintain and Expand Gifted and Talented Students, Establish Weight ($14.3 Million)

CONTINUED EMPHASIS ON MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL

• Nevada Ready 21 Technology Grants ($20 Million)
• Career & Technical Education (CTE): Alignment with Industry ($25 Million)
• Increase College and Career Readiness Grants ($10 Million)
• Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) Expansion ($7 Million)
• Advanced Placement ($1 Million)

INVESTING IN CHANGE

• Maintain the Great Teaching and leading Fund (GTLF) ($9.8 Million)
• Maintain the Social Worker in School Program ($22.4 Million)
• Continue Support for Underperforming Schools ($5 Million)

RECRUITING AND RETAINING EFFECTIVE TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS

• Maintain the Teacher Incentive Fund ($5 Million)
• Expand Teach Nevada Scholarships ($6 Million)
• Maintain Teacher Supply Reimbursement ($5 Million)

2017 K12 Education Bill Drafts

AB7

Makes necessary changes to NRS in order to comply with federal Every Student Succeeds Act and State Plan developed in response to the new federal law.

• AB7 (external link)

 AB64

revises requirements for receipt of a standard high school diploma to create an additional pathway for pupils with disabilities.

• AB64 (external link)

AB77

Makes necessary changes to NRS to revise teacher licensure

• AB77 (external link)

SB66

Removes limitations and expands meaningful work-based learning opportunities

• AB66 (external link)

SB77

Requires that certain programs and information relating to the provision of a safe and respectful learning environment be derived from evidenced-based research, and revises provisions relating to the code of honor for pupils concerning cheating

• SB77 (external link)