March 27, 2025

CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Education is proud to announce the release of the revised pre-K–12 Nevada State Literacy Plan.

The document is a comprehensive roadmap designed to improve literacy outcomes for all students across the state. The plan was last revised in 2015.

“Our North Star remains clear: Every Nevada student must graduate with the literacy skills necessary for success in the real world,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “This plan is a critical step forward in our mission to improve literacy outcomes, and we call on schools, families, and the community to unite in this effort.”

The guidance document defines the components of a comprehensive literacy approach. Backed by an increase in state funding and the Acing Accountability initiative, this plan introduces targeted strategies, research-based instruction, and a clear path to drive measurable progress in literacy proficiency.

As part of the revised Nevada State Literacy Plan (NSLP), Nevada has set three ambitious goals to ensure improvement in literacy:

• Goal 1: Early literacy (grades K-2)
  Improve Nevada’s overall English Language Arts (ELA) growth on the spring administration of benchmark assessments.

• Goal 2: Elementary and middle school (grades 3-8)
  Increase ELA proficiency so that at least 60 percent of students score at or above proficient on the Smarter Balanced assessments.

• Goal 3: High school college and career readiness
  Improve the average ACT reading score for graduating students, with 40 percent of students reaching the benchmark.

The NSLP introduces strategic improvements in literacy instruction across all grade levels, including:

• Vertical alignment – A seamless, structured literacy plan that ensures continuity in skill development from early childhood through high school.

• Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) – Real-time, data-driven interventions to identify and assist students who need additional literacy support.

• Updated research-based instruction – Adoption of the Science of Reading in literacy education to guide evidence-based best practices.

• Adolescent literacy focus – Specialized strategies to prepare middle and high school students for complex reading, writing, and comprehension demands.

• Family and community engagement – Strengthening collaborative efforts between schools, families, and communities to promote literacy-rich environments beyond the classroom.

• Culturally responsive guidance – Alignment with guidance from Nevada state offices and a shared vision concerning standards and best practices to support English language learners, multilingual students, and those from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

For more information and to access the revised pre-K–12 Nevada State Literacy Plan, visit doe.nv.gov/offices/office-of-teaching-and-learning/literacy.

The Nevada Department of Education urges educators, administrators, parents, and community leaders to actively utilize the revised pre-K–12 Nevada State Literacy Plan.

Through collaboration and insightful practices, we can ensure that every Nevada student has the opportunity to achieve literacy excellence and thrive in the modern world.

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.