The Alternative Performance Framework (APF) is established by the state to highlight qualifying schools who serve high-needs populations. Due to their unique student populations, these schools may have insufficient data for an annual rating under the Nevada School Performance Framework (NSPF) or the rating received under the NSPF is an insufficient reflection of the school’s performance in addressing the unique needs of the students served. The intent of the APF is to highlight additional performance data not found in the NSPF. Based on the uniqueness and transiency of these student populations, the APF is designed to be flexible since most schools will be unable to provide data for all measures contained within the framework.

The APF is designed to:

• Highlight qualifying schools who serve high-needs populations;
• Collect and report additional performance data for schools to provide a more complete performance story than is provided under the NSPF; and
• Provide actionable information about the progress of qualifying schools in driving improvement in student achievement (Nevada Alternate Performance Framework Workgroup, 2014).

Nevada developed the APF to specifically address accountability for the following types of schools:

1. Schools offering credit recovery programs;
2. Schools offering behavioral/continuation programs;
3. Juvenile Detention Facilities serving adjudicated youth; and
4. Special Education schools serving students with identified disabilities.

The APF is guided by NRS 385A.730, NRS 385A.740, NAC 385A.110, NAC 385A.120, NAC 385A.130, NRS 388A.274.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires the state to rate all public schools under the NSPF. Therefore, schools operating under the APF will continue to be rated under the NSPF when there are sufficient data for the required NSPF Indicators/Measures.

APF data and information is annually published on Nevada Accountability Portal.