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Senate approves broad education reform bill after adopting amendment
Summary
The Nevada Senate adopted Amendment 9-25 to Senate Bill 460 and voted unanimously to send the bill to the Assembly; the amendment adds measures on school improvement plans, literacy, pre-K, open enrollment and accountability.
The Nevada Senate voted unanimously to approve Senate Bill 460 and send it to the Assembly after adopting Amendment 9-25 that adds a range of accountability and early-education provisions.
Amendment 9-25 requires public elementary schools rather than the State Board of Education to prepare academic achievement improvement plans, establishes procedures for waiving certain reporting requirements, creates measures for designating low-performing schools and districts, and authorizes the state superintendent to place underperforming districts or charter sponsors on probation in specified circumstances. The amendment also authorizes open enrollment, creates an education service center to assist struggling schools, expands early-childhood literacy and pre-K grant eligibility, and requires training in the science of reading and additional professional development days for K–3 teachers.
Senator Cannizzaro moved to adopt Amendment 9-25 and explained its principal elements before the Senate. "This bill has been a and does mark a compromise among a variety of educational proposals that have been being considered this legislative session," Senator Cannizzaro said on the floor. "It makes significant investments in our pre-K ... and also literacy programs and also involves ensuring that we are teaching the science of reading and that we're investing in professional development for teachers who are teaching those K through 3 grades."
Senator Titus also rose in support of the bill. "I am happy to rise in support of Senate Bill 460, with its amendments," Titus said, adding she expected the measure to "change the needle in outcomes for our children."
After debate on the floor, the secretary announced the roll call: "Yeses are 21 and noes are 0." The amendment was adopted by voice vote earlier, and the bill was recorded as having received a constitutional majority and was readied for immediate transmission to the Assembly.
Discussion on the floor emphasized accountability for how public dollars are spent in education, supports for teachers and administrators, and efforts to expand prekindergarten access. The transcript records that the amendment also revises charter sponsorship provisions, creates a pilot STEM-literacy grant program contingent on available funds, adjusts staffing ratio rules for Clark County School District in specified instances, and provides limited liability protections for certain school employees.
Next steps: with the Senate vote complete, Senate Bill 460 will proceed to the Assembly for its consideration.
