Public Comment

Public comment opened with strong support for two items: the Read by Grade 3 initiative (Item 8) and the proposed update to developmental delay criteria in special education (Item 9). One speaker, David Gardner, encouraged the Board to raise the age range for developmental delay services, noting that other states extend services through age 9. Erin Philips thanked the Board for taking up Item 18 after she raised concerns at a prior meeting.

President’s Report

The Board welcomed new member Amy Carvalho and shared updates from members. Member Braxton mentioned receiving extensive community feedback, and Member Hughes announced the formation of a Metrics Working Group—a subset of the Innovations Committee—to help explain how Nevada’s assessment system works.

Superintendent’s Report

New Superintendent Dr. Victor Wakefield shared his First 100 Days Entry Plan. His three key priorities are:

• Setting a shared direction by clarifying statewide priorities;
• Strengthening state capacity through responsiveness and transparency at the Nevada Department of Education (NDE); and
• Leading through partnerships, including school visits and shadowing Board members.

Dr. Wakefield aims to complete alignment of NDE’s internal priorities by March 1, 2026, and present a new budget and framework by September 1.

Consent Agenda – Approved

All items were approved, including:

• Transportation documents for the 2026 school year;
• Licensing renewals and initial license requests for private schools;
• Meeting minutes from July to October;
• The 2026 Board Meeting Calendar.

Read by Grade 3: Language and Assessment Updates

The Board approved important changes to Read by Grade 3 (RBG3) policies. Language was updated so students are now expected to read at grade level (not beyond) by third grade. Terminology for English Learners was updated to align with federal law, and flexibility was added for students in special education by changing requirements from “and” to “or” in key conditions.

The i-Ready Assessment was officially approved as the statewide RBG3 literacy assessment beginning in the 2026–27 school year, replacing MAP. For the 2025–26 year, i-Ready will remain an alternative assessment option. This shift will impact how literacy progress is measured and supported statewide.

Special Education Services: Developmental Delay Age

The Board reviewed a proposal to extend the developmental delay (DD) eligibility age for special education services from 6 to 7 years old. Many states already allow services until age 9. While the majority of districts supported the change, major data inconsistencies made it difficult to assess the full impact.

I shared my concern about delaying action, emphasizing that this conversation has gone on for too long. Ultimately, the Board tabled the decision until March 2026 to allow time for additional data collection and analysis.

Educator Licensure: The Board’s Role

The Board received a presentation clarifying its role in educator license suspension or revocation. The Board acts as a decision-maker after a formal complaint is submitted—typically by a district superintendent, charter board, or school board. The Board does not initiate investigations but acts as the final authority in licensure proceedings.

Public Hearings – Key Regulation Changes Adopted

A series of public hearings were held to update and adopt changes across several education areas:

• Children under age 6 who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired: Updated assessment criteria and language adopted.
• Visual impairment eligibility for special education: Broader criteria adopted to improve access.
• Gifted and Talented Services: Flexibility added by removing the requirement for individually administered cognitive tests.
• AdvancED → Cognia: Updated references due to organizational merger.
• Reading Proficiency Assessments: Conforming changes made per SB 460; districts can now select any valid, standards-based reading assessment.
• Professional Development Standards for Teachers/Admins: Updated training requirements adopted.
• Rigorous Course Placement Plan: Approved framework for placing students in more advanced core classes (grades 3–12).

Nevada Educator Performance Framework (NEPF) Update

The Board reviewed NEPF ratings and redesign progress. Key discussions included efforts to center student outcomes—especially student voice—in evaluation and feedback tools. Updates are tied to SB 460 and will continue phasing in during the 2025–26 school year.

School Designations and Data Tracking

Informational updates were shared regarding school improvement designations (MRI/CSI/TSI/ATSI) and compliance reports. Member Or requested a future agenda item to review changes to SBAC student growth targets. Member Braxton asked for items focused on school safety and safe routes to schools.

Final Public Comment

In closing public comment, concerns were raised around bullying, with a call for better state-level support and appeals processes for families. Anna Binder noted Nevada lacks a consistent tracking system for students exiting special education programs. Christy McGill emphasized the importance of helping families access appeals if district solutions fall short.

You can find the meeting materials HERE, the agenda HERE, and the video recording HERE. The next meeting will be held on December 10th at 9 AM.