Nevada Department of Education outlines MRI school expectations, exit criteria and support schedule for 2025–26

Alyssa Arroyo, education programs professional for MRI schools and Title I Section 1003(a) at the Nevada Department of Education, outlined the agency’s expectations and support schedule for schools designated as MRI (Monitoring, Review and Improvement) during a 2025 webinar covering the 2025–26 school year.

Arroyo said the state treats MRI as a continuation of targeted support for schools that remain in Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) after the required three‑year improvement cycle. “When you hear from us, know that it's not just about compliance. It's about connection, communication, and continuous improvement,” she said.

The guidance matters because MRI schools continue to receive structured assistance aimed at improving student outcomes. NDE emphasized clear entrance and exit rules, school and district responsibilities, a schedule of virtual and on‑site visits, and public posting and monitoring requirements for school improvement plans (SIPs).

Under the criteria discussed, schools are identified for CSI under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) if they fall within the lowest performing 5 percent of Title I schools based on their adjusted NSPF index score or if a high school has a graduation rate below 67 percent. Arroyo said schools that do not exit CSI after three years transition to MRI status and are evaluated annually for exit. To exit MRI, a school must no longer meet CSI entrance criteria and must either increase its adjusted NSPF index score by at least 10 points above the identification year or reach a graduation rate of 67 percent or higher.

Arroyo described three levels of responsibility in the improvement process. At the school level, staff must develop and implement a SIP based on a comprehensive needs assessment, align strategies to evidence‑based approaches, and post the SIP and status checks publicly. Districts (local education agencies) approve SIPs, monitor progress, and prioritize supports for schools with the most significant needs. At the state level, NDE reviews and approves SIPs and status checks, monitors resource allocations for equity, identifies and reports designations, and provides technical assistance, coaching and professional learning opportunities.

NDE offered program resources including the NDE school improvement website, the professional learning portal, the WestEd call survey for leadership and instructional diagnostics, and the plan‑for‑learning platform. Arroyo said key program milestones for the 2025–26 year include SIP submissions beginning in August 2025, a SIP status check due in October, on‑site and virtual visits from October through December, continued visits in January 2026, and a second SIP status check due Feb. 28, 2026. Visit types vary by school: alternative education sites typically receive one in‑person visit and one virtual check‑in annually; traditional MRI year 1–2 schools receive at least one virtual visit and may request an on‑site visit; traditional year 3 and above schools receive an in‑person visit and a virtual follow‑up.

Arroyo described visits as collaborative and diagnostic: they typically begin with a meeting with the principal and leadership team, include classroom observations and end with a debrief that identifies next steps and supports. She emphasized transparency and community engagement, and reminded attendees that MRI status is intended to provide additional partnership rather than serve as a punitive label. “The important thing to remember is that MRI is designed to help you reach success. It's a bridge, not a barrier,” Arroyo said.

For next steps, NDE advised schools to review data, align SIP goals to that data, work with their LEA on submissions and deadlines, and use the listed NDE resources. The webinar included a full school improvement team contact list across CSI, MRI, TSI, ATSI and non‑designated schools; Arroyo provided contact information on screen (email shown in the webinar: alisa.arroyo@doe.nb.gov) and invited schools to reach out for additional support.

No formal actions or votes were recorded during the webinar. The presentation concluded with a reminder that MRI status is part of an ongoing improvement process and that NDE’s office hours and supports are available throughout the school year.