September 13, 2024

CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Education, in partnership with the Nevada Future of Learning Network, hosted The NOW of Learning Summit on Thursday.

The event brought together approximately 200 educators, students, community leaders, and policymakers to discuss ways to enhance Nevada’s education system to be more relevant and engaging for learners.

“Nevada is leading the way in reshaping the future of education through personalized, competency-based learning,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “The NOW of Learning Summit provided an opportunity to hear from members of our community and our many valuable partners as we work to become the most learner-centric state in the nation.”

“This work will only progress if it is developed, tested, and shaped by our community,” said Jeanine Collins, chief innovation officer at ed.Xtraordinary. “The Portrait of a Nevada Learner is not a directive being handed to learners and educators – it’s a roadmap that is being created alongside them.”

Panel discussions covered topics such as the need for durable skills that will strengthen Nevada’s workforce, as well as initiatives from the Governor’s Office and legislative commissions.

Timothy Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, delivered a keynote about integrating both academic knowledge and durable skills into assessment and accountability.

He described the future of education as requiring “a new architecture that moves rigorous, engaged, and experiential learning from the margins to the mainstream.”

Panelists at the event included:

• Paul Johnson, chief financial officer for the White Pine County School District and member of the Commission on School Funding
• Sean Parker, executive director of Teach for America Nevada and member of the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education
• Lauri Perdue, vice chair of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance and national workforce development director at the University of Phoenix
• Myeong Potter, vice president of human resources at AREA15
• Adrina Ramos-King, strategic initiatives manager at Workforce Connections
• Adam Young, superintendent of the White Pine County School District and president of the Nevada Association of School Superintendents

Discussions focused on pressing issues such as chronic absenteeism, skills gaps, and the need for updated approaches to teaching and learning.

“What if we could create a culture of confidence in our students? What if they came out of high school knowing what they want to do next because they were coached and exposed to new opportunities?” Perdue said during the panel discussion.

Attendees explored the Portrait of a Nevada Learner themes of empowering, connecting, impacting, and thriving to further Nevada’s educational goals.

The Nevada Department of Education has been collaborating with educators, businesses, and communities since the launch of the Nevada Future of Learning Network in October 2023.

The network connects students, educators, families, and community partners to implement the Portrait of a Nevada Learner, Nevada’s shared vision for the mindsets and skills that bring students’ academic knowledge to life.

Attachment:

• Photos from The Now of Learning Summit

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About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.