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Commission approves renewal of alternate-route-to-licensure programs through August 2027
Summary
The commission approved renewal of listed alternate route to licensure (ARL) programs after a biennial review that found program growth, alignment with standards, and strong support systems; Clark County and charter schools showed notable growth in ARL licensees.
The Commission on Professional Standards in Education voted to approve renewal of existing alternate route to licensure (ARL) programs through August 2027 following a biannual audit.
Jackie Nygaard of the Nevada Department of Education presented the audit performed under NAC 391.461. Nygaard reported a rise in ARL licensees from 468 in the 2023–24 academic year to 1,083 in 2024–25 and said Clark County accounted for the largest share of growth (from 304 to 762 ARL licensees). The review applied a rubric assessing curriculum and instructional quality, documentation coherence, and program environment and supports, and found programs generally aligned with state standards and providing mentoring and clinical supervision.
Nygaard recommended renewal for providers listed in the meeting materials, including 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 is not currently accepting new applicants due to funding issues but asked that approval be granted so the program can begin accepting candidates once funding is resolved.
Commissioner Genoza moved to approve the renewals; Commissioner Belknap seconded. The motion passed; Commissioner Collier registered an abstention. President Rosar announced the motion passed.
Why it matters: The ARL pathway is a growing mechanism to address educator staffing shortages in Nevada, especially in Clark County and among charter schools. Renewing programs maintains continuity for providers and candidates and keeps the department’s oversight in place through August 2027.
Next steps: The department will continue to implement OPAL (an online portal) to improve provider-level tracking and return to the commission as provider-level data become available.
