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Commission renews alternative-route-to-licensure programs through August 2027
Summary
The commission approved renewal of existing Alternative Route to Licensure (ARL) provider programs, noting growth in ARL licensees and continued reliance in Clark County and charter schools; one commissioner abstained.
The Nevada Department of Education commission approved the renewal of existing Alternative Route to Licensure (ARL) programs through August 2027 after a biannual review found program designs aligned with state requirements.
"Our process involved a thorough audit of each ARL program's design utilizing their submitted crosswalk documents and evaluating them against a comprehensive renewal rubric," Jackie Nygaard, education programs professional in the Office of Educator Development, Licensure, and Family Engagement, told the commission.
Nygaard reported statewide growth in ARL licensees from 468 in the 2023–24 academic year to 1,083 in 2024–25, with the Clark County School District showing the highest demand (from 304 to 762 ARL licensees). She said the most common endorsements among ARL licensees were elementary (all subjects) and special education generalist, and that charter schools have shown significant growth in ARL use. Nygaard told commissioners the new OPAL online portal should allow provider-level tracking in the future.
The department recommended approval of ARL programs from Grand Canyon University, Great Basin College, iTeach Nevada, Nevada Teacher Corps, Nevada Teachers of Tomorrow, University of Nevada Las Vegas, University of Nevada Reno, Washoe County School District, and Western Governors University. Nygaard noted Nevada Teacher Corps was not currently accepting new applicants because of funding issues but requested approval so it could resume when funding is restored.
Commissioner Ganoza moved to approve the renewals; Commissioner Belknap seconded. The motion passed; Commissioner Collier recorded an abstention. The commission voted to approve the listed programs through August 2027.
Nygaard said the audit evaluated curriculum and instruction, documentation quality and coherence, and program environment and support systems, noting programs typically provided mentor teachers and clinical supervisors for early clinical experiences. The review found no substantive modifications since the prior renewal cycle.
The action preserves ARL pathways that the department and school districts are increasingly relying on to address educator staffing needs.
