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Fast Facts: Policy Issues In Nevada Education, Unlv College Of Education Jan 2021

Fast Facts: Policy Issues In Nevada Education, Unlv College Of Education

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

Since 2004, the Center for Research, Evaluation, and Assessment (CREA) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has served as a major academic center that provides expert, nonpartisan program and education policy evaluation and assessment services for decision-makers in national, state, and local organizations. CREA also provides expert consultation on research design (quantitative and qualitative) for UNLV and non-UNLV researchers.


Policy Issues In Nevada Education (Full Issue 2021), Unlv College Of Education Jan 2021

Policy Issues In Nevada Education (Full Issue 2021), Unlv College Of Education

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

No abstract provided.


The Viability Of Bilingual Education Programs In Nevada, Alain Bengochea, Elizabeth Greer Jan 2021

The Viability Of Bilingual Education Programs In Nevada, Alain Bengochea, Elizabeth Greer

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

Problem. Approximately 15% of emergent bilinguals (EBs; commonly referred to as English learners) in Nevada demonstrated proficiency in math and English language arts in contrast with the general student population, which achieved proficiencies of 42% and 55% in these subjects, respectively. Therefore, there is a critical need for programs that are responsive to EBs’ linguistic, cultural, and academic strengths. Purpose. This policy paper discusses the need for alternative educational supports for EBs, the effectiveness of bilingual education models compared with prevailing English instructional models, and the possibility of bilingual programming as a viable option in Nevada. Recommendations. Nevada could require …


Success In Stem: Diversifying Our Stem Workforce By Supporting Our Englishlearner Students’ Mental Health And Academic Achievement, Margarita Huerta, Heather Dahl, Tina Vo Jan 2021

Success In Stem: Diversifying Our Stem Workforce By Supporting Our Englishlearner Students’ Mental Health And Academic Achievement, Margarita Huerta, Heather Dahl, Tina Vo

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

Problem. Nevada faces a shortage in STEM-qualified employees. Given that our English Learner (EL) community is one of the fastest growing communities in Nevada, policymakers have a vested interest in supporting these students in STEM careers. Unfortunately, EL science scores in Nevada are particular- ly low, implying they are not on a trajectory towards STEM careers. Purpose. This paper provides an overview of recent trends in Nevada policies addressing ELs, STEM, and counseling. It also provides an overview of evidence-based strategies for improving EL success in STEM. Recommendations. We recommend that Nevada educators and policymakers work to 1) Improve quality …


Retention Starts With Preparation: Preparing Black And Latinx Teachers Through Alternative Routes To Licensure, Iesha Jackson, Doris L. Watson Jan 2021

Retention Starts With Preparation: Preparing Black And Latinx Teachers Through Alternative Routes To Licensure, Iesha Jackson, Doris L. Watson

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

Problem. Critical to the support and success of students of color is support for Black and Latinx teachers. Yet, teacher preparation programs often neglect the culturally relevant perspectives and experiences of teachers of color. This can contribute to retention issues given challenging school climates that Black and Latinx teachers must navigate. Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of sound teacher recruitment, preparation, and retention practices nationally and draw alignment to the state of Ne- vada. We focus on alternative routes to licensure (ARL) because such programs are touted for increasing the number of teachers of …


Prepping For Another Recession: Re-Assessing The Validity Of Teacher Evaluation Systems For Human Capital Decision-Making, Bradley D. Marianno, Adam Kho, Tiberio Garza, Jonathan Hilpert Jan 2021

Prepping For Another Recession: Re-Assessing The Validity Of Teacher Evaluation Systems For Human Capital Decision-Making, Bradley D. Marianno, Adam Kho, Tiberio Garza, Jonathan Hilpert

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

Problem. The school budget cuts concomitant with the COVID-19 pandemic mean educator jobs may again be threatened by layoffs. During prior recessions, school district administration primarily deter- mined teacher layoffs by virtue of seniority. However, as new evidence emerges that seniority policies may not be the most equitable way to determine teacher layoffs, some have turned towards performance-based measures from evaluation systems. Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to examine the validity and reli- ability of the Nevada Educator Performance Framework (NEPF) for making human capital decisions like layoffs. Recommendations. We recommend that Nevada and other states improve the …


Challenges And Opportunities For Virtual Teaching In Nevada, Linda F. Quinn, Lois B. Paretti Jan 2021

Challenges And Opportunities For Virtual Teaching In Nevada, Linda F. Quinn, Lois B. Paretti

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

Problem. School closures in Nevada due to the COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented chal- lenge to schools, districts, teachers, parents and students. The rapid switch to virtual teaching left many students unaccounted for and teachers unprepared for teaching virtually. Therefore, there exists a need for advanced planning to assure education in Nevada continues at a high level, whether through on-prem- ise learning in schools or through remote teaching. Purpose. This policy paper discusses ways virtual teaching requires adaptations to teacher professional development, access to technology, and teacher preparation. Ways to improve the viability of virtual teaching to enhance student achievement, …


Educational Equity Perspectives In Response To The Black Lives Matter Movement: A Road Map For Nevada, Patrice Leverett, Lawrence Jackson, Neffisatu Dambo, Jared Lau Jan 2021

Educational Equity Perspectives In Response To The Black Lives Matter Movement: A Road Map For Nevada, Patrice Leverett, Lawrence Jackson, Neffisatu Dambo, Jared Lau

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

Problem. Communities across Nevada call for more equitable practices, especially to reduce contact between communities of color and law enforcement, particularly in the African American community. By increasing our cultural awareness and highlighting the commitment of the state to support an Antirac- ist Nevada, we foresee a reduction in unrest and an increase in educational outcomes across all student groups. Purpose. The purpose of this policy paper is to highlight the importance of addressing racism and racialized bias in education. Recommendations. To address the rising need for equity practices and poli- cies in Nevada, we propose six recommendations to acknowledge …


The Covid-19 Pandemic And Its Implications For Nevada’S Future Workforce, Stefani R. Relles, Mark L. Spinrad Jan 2021

The Covid-19 Pandemic And Its Implications For Nevada’S Future Workforce, Stefani R. Relles, Mark L. Spinrad

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

Problem. Nevada’s capacity for economic recovery in the pandemic’s wake has been jeopardized by COVID-related educational impacts. The diversity of Nevada’s student population and inequitable rates of college participation and degree attainment infer imminent skilled labor shortages. Purpose. Based on the assumptions of prior research, the authors suggest a multi-tiered strategy of policy triage to address workforce pipeline erosion at its weakest juncture, when students transition from high school to college. Recommendations. The paper outlines short-term and long-term policy options that target students and institutions. During school closures, nudge interventions are a low-cost option that sends text messages to remind …


Eliminating Exclusionary Practices In Early Childhood Education In Nevada, Melissa Beck Yarczower, Jenna Weglarz-Ward, Claire T. Tredwell Jan 2021

Eliminating Exclusionary Practices In Early Childhood Education In Nevada, Melissa Beck Yarczower, Jenna Weglarz-Ward, Claire T. Tredwell

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

Problem. Many young children under 5 years old spend a significant part of their days in early childhood settings which provide them access to environments and activities that foster their learning. Unfortunate- ly, in many of these early childhood settings, young children are expelled and suspended at a rate that is three times the rate of students in a K-12 setting leading to detrimental, long-term outcomes for young children, families, and the community. Purpose. This paper gives an overview of exclusionary practices in early childhood, discusses causes and consequences of these practices, and provides recommendations to eliminate exclusionary practices in …


Fast Fact: Policy Issues In Nevada Education, Unlv College Of Education Feb 2019

Fast Fact: Policy Issues In Nevada Education, Unlv College Of Education

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

The College of Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is in a particularly unique and promising position to affect and inform education locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. The College produces more new educators for Nevada’s schools than any other provider—nearly as many as all other providers combined. Situated in the fifth largest school district in the U.S., the College is deeply and collaboratively engaged with research of and in urban settings. As the largest college of education in the state, the College’s faculty comprises the largest single, non-partisan source of information, models, and new ideas associated with educational …


Policy Issues In Nevada Education (Full Issue 2019), Unlv College Of Education Jan 2019

Policy Issues In Nevada Education (Full Issue 2019), Unlv College Of Education

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

No abstract provided.


Supporting The Identification And Referral Of Young Children With Disabilities And Developmental Delays In Nevada, Jenna Weglarz-Ward, Nicole Atwell, Heike Rudenauer, Pricella Morris Jan 2019

Supporting The Identification And Referral Of Young Children With Disabilities And Developmental Delays In Nevada, Jenna Weglarz-Ward, Nicole Atwell, Heike Rudenauer, Pricella Morris

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

Children develop in a predictable sequence across skills in communication, physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and adaptive domains. However, there are many factors that impact a child’s growth and learning that may delay their development or cause disabilities. Some children may be identified before or at birth with conditions that cause developmental delays (e.g., children with Down syndrome, premature infants, babies born with addiction). Other children may present developmental disabilities and delays later in early childhood due to neurological or genetic conditions (e.g., autism, Rhett’s syndrome, communication delays) or experience environmental risk factors such as housing instability, toxic stress, injury, or …


Supporting Teacher Leadership In Nevada, Matthew Borek Jan 2019

Supporting Teacher Leadership In Nevada, Matthew Borek

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

Teacher leadership strategies are increasingly being deployed in multiple jurisdictions across the country, with mixed results. While informal teacher leader roles have existed for decades and are a not new idea, the expectations and responsibilities of these roles vary significantly from district to district or even from school to school. Ultimately, such an inconsistent approach to teacher leadership fails to capitalize on the potential of a comprehensive approach to human capital reform, including a modernized career ladder with advanced teacher leader roles. This would allow excellent teachers to stay in the classroom while also extending their reach by tapping into …


Supporting High Quality Early Childhood Experiences For Children With And Without Disabilities And Their Families In Nevada, Jenna Weglarz-Ward, Cyndy Ang, Robin Gaynes Jan 2019

Supporting High Quality Early Childhood Experiences For Children With And Without Disabilities And Their Families In Nevada, Jenna Weglarz-Ward, Cyndy Ang, Robin Gaynes

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

It has become common for young children to be enrolled in some form early care or education programs before entering kindergarten (Whitebrook, McLean, & Austin, 2016). These experiences can encompass a range of programs and many families use multiple programs to meet their needs (U.S. Census Bureau, 2013). According to the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Education (DHHS/DOE; 2014) early care and education includes programs that: provide early care and education to children birth through age five, where the majority of children in the program are typically developing. These include, but are not limited to, private or …


School Safety In Nevada: Toward Thoughtful Responses To A Pernicious Problem, Samuel Song, Heather Thompson, Patrice Leverett Jan 2019

School Safety In Nevada: Toward Thoughtful Responses To A Pernicious Problem, Samuel Song, Heather Thompson, Patrice Leverett

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

Violence in schools and the question of how to keep schools safe has preoccupied the country, especially since the Columbine tragedy over twenty years ago and after recent events over the last few years. Research has progressed considerably over the twenty year span, leading us to understand notably that “quick fixes” in the form of simple solutions are not effective. This paper explains why simple solutions do not work and presents strategies that are supported by research in the hopes that legislators may create policies to support them.


Autism And Young Children: Painting A Picture For Nevada, Cori M. More, Janelle Saunders, Amelia Fuqua, Sarah Katz, Samantha Jasa, Kendra Antill Jan 2019

Autism And Young Children: Painting A Picture For Nevada, Cori M. More, Janelle Saunders, Amelia Fuqua, Sarah Katz, Samantha Jasa, Kendra Antill

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that can cause social, communication, and behavioral difficulties in those impacted (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Often people with ASD experience difficulties in social situations and applying skills to new situations. Many young children with ASD show delays in developing language skills and it is estimated that 30-50 percent of people diagnosed with autism will not develop an adequate communication system (National Research Council, 2001). Early intervention is key to increasing quality of life for children and families impacted by autism. Not only does early intervention help to improve skills, it also decreases …


Retaining Nevada’S Teachers: Issues And Solutions, Iesha Jackson, Lois Paretti, Linda Quinn, Dana Bickmore, Matthew Borek Jan 2019

Retaining Nevada’S Teachers: Issues And Solutions, Iesha Jackson, Lois Paretti, Linda Quinn, Dana Bickmore, Matthew Borek

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

Teacher attrition and retention present an immediate, undesirable challenge for education in Nevada. While an increase in enrollment in the student population necessitates an increase in teachers, teacher retention rates across the state of Nevada range from 14 percent in Pershing County to 30 percent in Clark County and 75 percent in Mineral County from 2012-2015. In addition to the disadvantages to students when teachers leave the profession, there is also a substantial cost to districts. Research in urban settings suggests that replacing a new teacher in a district can range from $12,000 to more than $26,000. Factors that help …


Fast Facts: Policy Issues In Nevada Education, Unlv College Of Education Jan 2017

Fast Facts: Policy Issues In Nevada Education, Unlv College Of Education

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

The College of Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is in a particularly unique and promising position to affect and inform education locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. The College produces more new educators for Nevada’s schools than any other provider—nearly as many as all other providers combined. Situated in the fifth largest school district in the U.S., the College is deeply and collaboratively engaged with research of and in urban settings. As the largest college of education in the state, the College’s faculty comprises the largest single, non-partisan source of information, models, and new ideas associated with educational …


Policy Issues In Nevada Education (Full Issue 2017), Unlv College Of Education Jan 2017

Policy Issues In Nevada Education (Full Issue 2017), Unlv College Of Education

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

No abstract provided.


High Quality Career And Technical Education: Implications For Nevada, Xue Xing, Howard Gordon Jan 2017

High Quality Career And Technical Education: Implications For Nevada, Xue Xing, Howard Gordon

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

No abstract provided.


Key Education Issues In Review: Improving The Teacher Pipeline, Unlv College Of Education Jan 2015

Key Education Issues In Review: Improving The Teacher Pipeline, Unlv College Of Education

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

No abstract provided.


Key Education Issues In Review: English Language Learners, Unlv College Of Education Jan 2015

Key Education Issues In Review: English Language Learners, Unlv College Of Education

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

No abstract provided.


Key Education Issues In Review: Child And Adolescent Mental Health, Unlv College Of Education Jan 2015

Key Education Issues In Review: Child And Adolescent Mental Health, Unlv College Of Education

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

In recent years, child and adolescent mental health issues have become a significant healthcare concern across the U.S. and in Nevada. As many as 1 in 5 children and adolescents experience a diagnosable mental health disorder each year; however, fewer than half of them receive mental health treatment. Nevada has one of the highest rates of major depression and suicide in the nation and ranks 36th in the nation on per capita mental health care state funding.


Key Education Issues In Review: Nevada Academic Content Standards, Unlv College Of Education Jan 2015

Key Education Issues In Review: Nevada Academic Content Standards, Unlv College Of Education

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

No abstract provided.


Key Education Issues In Review: Full Day Kindergarten, Unlv College Of Education Jan 2015

Key Education Issues In Review: Full Day Kindergarten, Unlv College Of Education

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

No abstract provided.


Key Education Issues In Review: Educational Funding, Unlv College Of Education Jan 2015

Key Education Issues In Review: Educational Funding, Unlv College Of Education

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

As citizens of the U.S., we want the nation to have a world-class educational system that enables our children to compete with the best that other nations have to offer. To accomplish this, school funding plays an important role. Educational funding, however, is usually neither adequate nor equitable (Sims, 2004). Adequate funding ensures that all students are able to meet intended objectives and goals of education. Equitable funding ensures a sufficient level of funding distributed within states that accounts for additional needs based on various student characteristics. There are different costs for educating groups of students, and this should be …


Key Education Issues In Review: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Unlv College Of Education Jan 2015

Key Education Issues In Review: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Unlv College Of Education

Policy Issues in Nevada Education: Policy Papers

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability affecting 1 in 68 children in the United States. Individuals with ASD struggle with communication, behavioral, and social skills. The demands of addressing ASD present a significant challenge to Nevada; however, the challenges associated with inaction are much higher. Lack of access is the most critical issue facing families today. Without treatment, most individuals with ASD will require high levels of support throughout their lives at a high cost to families and society.