CARSON CITY, Nev. – School districts wishing to implement an innovative approach that allows flexibility in the classroom are encouraged to apply for participation in the Competency-Based Education Network (CBEN).

With the passage of Assembly Bill 110 in the 2017 Nevada Legislature, the Nevada Department of Education (NDE) has developed the application for schools wanting to participate in the new Competency-Based Education Pilot. The legislation also calls for the creation of a CBEN comprised of stakeholders from chosen pilot sites, representatives of the higher education system in Nevada and others.

The legislation defined competency-based education as a system of instruction by which a pupil advances to a higher level of learning when the pupil demonstrates mastery of a concept or skill, regardless of the time, place or pace at which the pupil progresses.

The qualifications and conditions for participation by a school in the pilot program include:

• A commitment by the school district or charter school to have a schoolwide competency-based education system within five years.
• Evidence of support for the implementation of competency-based education by the community served by the school district or charter school.
• A commitment to participate in the CBEN.

“This is an exciting opportunity for schools to help our state identify the flexibility and support needed for the implementation of this innovative approach,” said Mary Holsclaw, who manages the program for NDE.

School district boards of trustees and charter school governing bodies can find the applications online at NDE’s CBEN site. The deadline to apply is April 11. Please email Holsclaw at mholsclaw@doe.nv.gov with further questions.