Portrait of a Learner

Following public comment at the opening of the November meeting that expressed concern about agenda Item 9 regarding discipline data and the punishments set upon our students, President Felicia Ortiz began her report of the President’s business. She expressed her honor of attending the Portrait of a Learner event where our educational leaders and a panel of students had the opportunity to express their vision of our future youth. To add to her report she congratulated fellow board member, Superintendent Jhone Ebert, as the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) College of Education Alumni of the Year. 

Since Superintendent Ebert was absent at this meeting, the Superintendent’s report was given by Deputy Superintendent Jonathan Moore. Deputy Superintendent Moore welcomed all of the new Nevada Department of Education (NDE) staff members as well as gave a report regarding the Advance Career and Technical Education Conference. 

Reducing and Eradicating Discipline Disparities 

Members were now provided with a cumbersome presentation from Christy McGill, Dr. Gunes Kaplan, and Laronica Maurer regarding discipline data disaggregated by population. The presentation goes in-depth about what situations led to expulsion or suspension and was divided into various categories. As data showed thousands of students who were receiving these harsh standards the presentation provided a systematic approach to reducing these expulsion practices. The systematic approach included these 3 components, multi-tiered systems of support, restorative practices, and social and emotional learning. By using these approaches studies have shown a significant decrease in bullying incident reports and bullying suspension/expulsion. The amazing thing about this is by far the fact that students have the opportunity to be trained to help their fellow peers with the help they need. 

Educational Leaders and Advocation

Next, the Board reviewed all possible candidates who have applied for consideration to serve on the State Public Charter School Authority governing in accordance with Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 388A.153. As we narrowed down all of these impressive candidates we came to an overall decision of appointing Ms. Cindy Rivera. 

Following the Board appointment, we discussed the possible action regarding the College and Career Readiness High School Assessment Survey. As our previous contract has expired with the ACT distributors, we are now looking for a test for the upcoming year of 2023 – 2024. There will be a survey given to the state’s administration, teachers, parents, and students on the qualities they are looking for in this new test. As this was just a draft survey, we will be making a few edits, and it should be distributed sometime in the upcoming weeks. 

Finally, the State Board Members discussed and revised our goal position statement that will be administered to the public in hopes to continue to gain the state’s trust in our educational decisions. Lastly, the Board listened to the 2 public hearings regarding our Math and ELA standards and the assessments administered during the final grading period. Also discussed were the uniform grading scale and the weight of specific class credits such as dual credit courses and advanced placement courses. 

The entire meeting materials can be found HERE. The next State Board of Education meeting will take place on December 15th, 2022, where the entire Board will be meeting in person in Las Vegas.