Nevada Department of Education Announces New Strategic Priorities
March 11, 2026
Superintendent Wakefield concludes first 100 days in office with plan to strengthen classroom instruction, improve college and career readiness, and better align support for schools and districts
CARSON CITY, Nev. – On Wednesday, Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Victor Wakefield announced the Nevada Department of Education’s new strategic priorities to strengthen classroom instruction, improve college and career readiness, and better align support for schools and districts.
To achieve this vision, Superintendent Wakefield defined five key priorities: Strong Foundations, Empowering Pathways, Equipped Educators and Leaders, Informed and Connected Families, and Aligned Systems.
“Every day, students in our state should be building knowledge of the world, engaging with grade-level content and instruction, solving complex problems, and making progress toward their postsecondary goals,” said Dr. Victor Wakefield, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Every action we take as a state will be relentlessly focused on making this vision true for our students.”
Among the highlights, the Nevada Department of Education (NDE) is committed to:
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Strong foundations: At a time when fewer than one in two Nevada students are proficient in English Language Arts, and fewer than one in five 4-year-olds are enrolled in high-quality pre-K, the NDE is focused on reversing these trends. Through this effort, the NDE will work to ensure every student has access to high-quality, evidence-based teaching and instructional materials, starting in early learning.
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Empowering pathways: Nevada’s high rate of disconnected youth - young people ages 16–24 who are not in school or working - suggests too many students are missing opportunities to prepare for high-wage, high-demand careers. The NDE is committed to ensuring every student enters high school and graduates with a clear plan for success after high school, supported by college- and career-connected experiences and guidance from educators and school counselors.
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Equipped educators and leaders: The NDE is seeking to attract, support, and retain strong educators and leaders to meet evolving student needs, and equip teachers and leaders with the tools and training they need to provide strong, aligned instruction.
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Informed and connected families: Families are key partners in supporting student learning. NDE is committed to increasing access to quality options for Nevada’s families through improved communication, transparency, expanding access, and school improvement.
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Aligned systems: Great outcomes start with a coordinated, focused vision and plan. The Department is committed to better aligning its funding, accountability, and support systems so schools and districts have clear expectations and practical tools to improve student outcomes.
“Strong schools start with clear priorities and high expectations for student success,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “I appreciate Superintendent Wakefield’s leadership in setting a focused vision that strengthens classroom instruction, supports our educators, and prepares Nevada students for success in and out of the classroom. My administration remains committed to ensuring every student - no matter where they live - has access to a high-quality education and the opportunities they deserve.”
“Our responsibility is to make sure every student has access to the knowledge, support, and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Dr. Katherine Dockweiler, President of the Nevada State Board of Education. “The strategic vision Dr. Wakefield has put forward reflects that commitment and meets the needs of our current moment by focusing on what matters most: strong teaching, meaningful pathways, and better outcomes for students and families.”
NDE’s strategic priorities build on recent momentum across Nevada’s education system, including major education policy reforms adopted in recent years, increases in proficiency and graduation rates, and bright spots across schools and districts.
Superintendent Wakefield gathered insights through a statewide Listening and Bright Spots Tour, visiting eight districts across Nevada, observing in classrooms, and meeting directly with students, educators, trustees, and district leaders.
The rollout of the strategic priorities comes as Superintendent Wakefield concludes his first 100 days in office. Moving forward, NDE will align its work to these priorities and drive resourcing, support, and accountability toward them.
NDE will share ongoing updates on progress toward these strategic priorities through the Nevada Statewide Plan for the Improvement of Pupils (STIP), ongoing data reporting, and other state communications.
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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.