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Commission approves replacement competency exams and adopts Feb. 19 minutes
Summary
The Nevada education commission approved replacement educator competency exams and approved meeting minutes from Feb. 19 after brief discussion about test transition timelines.
The Nevada Commission on Professional Standards (COPS) voted to adopt a set of replacement competency exams for educator licensure and approved the Feb. 19 meeting minutes during its May meeting.
The commission adopted updated titles and replacements recommended following a multistate review by Educational Testing Services. Jeff Briskie, director of educator licensure, development and family engagement and secretary to the commission, said the department recommends adopting changes that include replacement titles for family and consumer science, secondary social studies, middle school social studies, a split parapro assessment into separate reading/writing and math subtests, and replacement of an "education of young children" exam with an "early childhood education foundational knowledge and content" exam. Briskie told commissioners the department typically provides a one‑year overlap so candidates registered for an older test may still use it for up to 12 months while the new exam is phased in.
Commissioner Joseph Morgan moved to adopt the competency exams as presented; Commissioner Belknap seconded. The motion passed on voice vote. Earlier in the meeting the commission also approved the Feb. 19 minutes on a motion by President Rosar, seconded by Commissioner Hawkins.
Why it matters: The adopted exam changes set the titles and administration timelines licensing candidates and educator preparation providers must follow when the department updates its testing portfolio.
Meeting discussion and details: Department staff said the parapro assessment now splits into two subtests (reading/writing and math) and that one year of overlap will be provided so candidates who previously registered will not be forced to switch immediately. No statutory citations were required or referenced for this agenda item during discussion. Commissioners asked procedural questions about test availability and transition timelines; staff confirmed operational details but did not propose further regulatory action at this meeting.
Votes at a glance: - Motion to approve Feb. 19 minutes — mover: President Rosar; second: Commissioner Hawkins; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Motion to adopt replacement competency exams as presented — mover: Commissioner Morgan; second: Commissioner Belknap; outcome: approved (voice vote).
Ending: The department said it will present a full wrap‑up of legislative and testing changes on the commission's August agenda and will coordinate implementation timelines with educator preparation providers and candidates.
