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Commission adopts replacement competency exams; multiple regulation updates moved to public workshops
Summary
At a hybrid meeting of the Nevada education commission, members approved replacement competency exams and referred several proposed regulation changes — including school psychology rules and endorsement updates — to public workshops for further review.
The Nevada Commission on Professional Standards approved replacement competency exams and directed staff to advance several proposed regulatory updates to public workshops during a hybrid meeting called to order at 9:16 a.m. by Vice President Collier.
The commission voted to adopt replacement titles for several educator competency exams after staff said the exams were updated through a multistate review process. Jeff Briskie, director of educator licensure, development and family engagement and secretary to the commission, described departmental implementation details and overlap timelines for candidates.
The commission moved updates to the school psychology regulations and other licensure-related rules to public workshops rather than acting on final language. Dr. Jackie Nagar, educational programs professional with the Nevada Department of Education, told commissioners that the school psychology regulations “have not undergone substantial revisions since 1999” and that a work group drafted consolidated language intended to reflect current professional standards.
University of Nevada, Reno, faculty members presented how competency-based learning is being incorporated into educator preparation programs. Dr. Shannon Taylor, interim department chair of educator preparation at UNR, said program data show positive student outcomes: “Title 1 students’ English language and math scores on tests are higher when they’re taught by our graduates,” she said, describing efforts to align program competencies, high-leverage practices and a state “portrait of a learner.”
Other regulatory items were referred to public workshop for further drafting and stakeholder input, including proposed changes to: - reporting requirements for out-of-field teaching (NAC related to exceptions to teach out of field), - a new regulation allowing the department to remove or rename endorsements and to provide transition periods when additional coursework becomes required, and - an additional pathway for an adaptive physical education endorsement.
The commission also discussed a streamlined process for alternative-route-to-licensure (ARL) teachers to add endorsements when employer staffing needs change. Jeff Briskie said the proposed change would allow an educator in an ARL assignment to apply for an additional endorsement without a new background check and continue teaching while the additional endorsement is processed; the department also proposed that districts reimburse candidates when the change is employer-driven.
Votes at a glance
- February 19 minutes: Motion to approve made on the record; seconded and approved by voice vote. - Competency exam adoptions: Motion by Commissioner Morgan; second by Commissioner Belknap; adopted by voice vote.
Meeting notes and next steps
Commissioners were told changes moved to public workshop will return for additional review following stakeholder comment. Staff flagged related dependencies, including a recent Nevada Medicaid state plan amendment to allow school psychologists to bill for certain services; Christy Miguel (identity superintendent) noted that the department will coordinate licensing language with Medicaid billing requirements. The commission’s next scheduled meeting was announced for Aug. 20, 2025.
The meeting also included the ceremonial welcome of Christina Hollowood, the governor’s appointee from Clark County School District, who introduced herself as a special education teacher at Sierra Vista High School.
