NRS: CHAPTER 389 - ACADEMICS AND TEXTBOOKS

[Rev. 6/29/2024 3:55:02 PM--2023]

CHAPTER 389 - ACADEMICS AND TEXTBOOKS

ACADEMIC SUBJECTS, INSTRUCTION AND COURSES OF STUDY

General Provisions

NRS 389.003 Enforcement of standards and courses of study by trustees.

NRS 389.007 Uniform grading scale for high schools.

NRS 389.009 Public high school to administer certain examination concerning civics; requirements for administration of examination; pupil required to take examination as condition for graduation; waiver from examination; reports.

NRS 389.0095 Establishment of plan to identify pupils for placement in more rigorous courses; notification of parent or guardian; establishment of more rigorous courses.

NRS 389.014 Patriotic observance.

Development of Academic Subjects and Courses of Study

NRS 389.018 Designation of core academic subjects; minimum units of credit required in high school; exception; additional subjects to be taught. [Effective through June 30, 2024.]

NRS 389.018 Designation of core academic subjects; minimum units of credit required in high school; exception; additional subjects to be taught; requirement to enroll in courses of study and credits to obtain college and career ready high school diploma; exceptions. [Effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.]

NRS 389.0186 Public high schools to allow pupils to receive certain credit for completion of certain computer science courses; limitation on application of such credit.

NRS 389.021 Establishment of courses of study; provisions governing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator for health course in middle school, junior high school and high school.

NRS 389.026 Development of model curriculum for English language arts and mathematics; distribution; authorized use by teachers and regional training programs for professional development.

NRS 389.031 Development of standards for teaching personal safety of children.

NRS 389.033 Development of list of curricula and programs concerning prevention of substance misuse and substance use disorders.

NRS 389.036 Establishment of course or unit of course of instruction concerning human immunodeficiency virus, human reproductive system, related communicable diseases and sexual responsibility; appointment of advisory committee; notice to parent or guardian; consent of parent or guardian required; materials to be made available to parents or guardians of pupils.

NRS 389.037 Availability of course in computer science; efforts to be made to increase enrollment in such course by certain pupils.

NRS 389.0375 Internet repository of resources for providing instruction in computer science; assistance to school districts and schools to establish programs of instruction in computer science.

NRS 389.038 Review of course and instruction in computer education; recommendations to State Board regarding approval.

NRS 389.041 Establishment of course of study in occupational guidance and counseling.

NRS 389.046 Programs and curricula for American Indians.

Required Instruction

NRS 389.054 Instruction in American government; exception.

NRS 389.057 Instruction in American history; exception.

NRS 389.061 Instruction in history and contributions of certain groups of persons.

NRS 389.064 Instruction in personal safety of children; exception; report; required background checks of volunteers; acceptance of grants, gifts and donations.

NRS 389.072 Instruction in computer education and technology; regulations.

NRS 389.074 Instruction in financial literacy. [Effective through June 30, 2028.]

NRS 389.074 Instruction in financial literacy. [Effective July 1, 2028.]

NRS 389.077 Satisfactory completion of courses in American government and American history required for graduation; exception for certain pupils.

Automobile Drivers’ Education

NRS 389.090 Regulations by State Board; purposes; liability insurance required; content of courses; restrictions on age of pupils.

NRS 389.100 Legislative findings; authorization for school districts and charter schools to charge fee.

Credit for Certain Courses or Activities Outside of School

NRS 389.155 Program of independent study for certain pupils; regulations; requirements.

NRS 389.160 Credit toward graduation from high school for courses taken at community college, state college or university.

NRS 389.165 Credit toward graduation from high school for certain community service projects.

NRS 389.167 Credit toward graduation from high school for completion of work-based learning program; application to offer work-based learning program; requirements for work-based learning program; report.

NRS 389.168 Authorization to purchase liability insurance to cover pupil in work-based learning program.

NRS 389.169 Grants of money from Department to develop and implement work-based learning programs; State Board to prescribe fields, trades or occupations for which grant may be awarded.

NRS 389.171 Credit granted for performance on examination in lieu of course attendance; regulations.

Competency-Based Education

NRS 389.200 “Competency-based education” defined.

NRS 389.210 Establishment of pilot program to provide competency-based education; regulations; requirements for schools selected to participate in program.

NRS 389.220 Competency-Based Education Network: Establishment; composition; duties; meetings; Chair; quorum; members serve without compensation. [Repealed.]

NRS 389.230 Public campaign to raise awareness; meetings to inform superintendents of school districts; distribution of available money to carry out program.

Dual Credit Course Work

NRS 389.310 Programs for dual credit courses; reports.

Pupils Who Are Homeless, Unaccompanied or in Foster Care

NRS 389.320 Requirements to receive full or partial credit for specific course of study.

NRS 389.330 Requirements for award of high school diploma to certain pupils who transfer schools; modified course of study for certain pupils who transfer schools.

COUNCIL TO ESTABLISH ACADEMIC STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

NRS 389.500 “Council” defined.

NRS 389.505 Superintendent of Public Instruction required to ensure Council carries out duties successfully.

NRS 389.510 Creation; membership; terms; compensation.

NRS 389.520 Establishment of standards; periodic review of standards; adoption of standards by State Board; establishment of policy for ethical, safe and secure use of computers.

NRS 389.525 Establishment of standards of content and performance for ethnic and diversity studies for pupils enrolled in high school; provision of instruction in ethnic and diversity studies; regulations.

NRS 389.530 Duty of Department to provide support; assistance from other state agencies.

NRS 389.540 Review of courses of study to determine compliance with standards.

TEXTBOOKS

General Provisions

NRS 389.840 Definitions.

Selection and Purchase of Textbooks

NRS 389.850 Final selection by State Board; exception for charter schools; accurate portrayal of cultural and racial diversity of society and of history and contributions of certain groups of persons.

NRS 389.860 Contracts by State Board for purchase; provisions of contracts.

Use of Textbooks

NRS 389.870 Enforcement by board of trustees of use of prescribed textbooks; exception for charter schools.

NRS 389.880 Use of prescribed textbooks; exceptions; penalty.

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ACADEMIC SUBJECTS, INSTRUCTION AND COURSES OF STUDY

General Provisions

NRS 389.003 Enforcement of standards and courses of study by trustees. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 389.041, boards of trustees of school districts in this State shall enforce in schools:

1. The standards of content and performance established by the Council to Establish Academic Standards for Public Schools pursuant to NRS 389.520 and the courses of study related to those standards; and

2. The courses of study prescribed and adopted by the State Board.

[291:32:1956]—(NRS A 1979, 1598; 1991, 2088; 1999, 3258, 3388; 2001, 236; 2017, 452)

NRS 389.007 Uniform grading scale for high schools.

1. The State Board shall adopt regulations that prescribe a uniform grading scale for all public high schools, including, without limitation, a uniform grading scale for dual credit courses, international baccalaureate courses, advanced placement courses and honors courses. The regulations adopted pursuant to this section must assign the same weight to dual credit courses and international baccalaureate courses as the weight assigned to advanced placement courses if the dual credit course or international baccalaureate course is a core academic subject designated pursuant to NRS 389.018 or a subject for which an advanced placement course is offered.

2. The board of trustees of each school district and the governing body of each charter school that operates as a high school shall comply with the uniform grading scale.

(Added to NRS by 2007, 2179; A 2021, 749)

1. A public high school shall administer an examination containing a number of questions, determined by the public high school, which are identical to the questions contained in the civics portion of the naturalization test adopted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security, to each pupil enrolled in the public high school.

2. A public high school shall:

(a) Determine the course in which the examination will be administered;

(b) Establish the number of questions which will be included on the examination, which must not be less than 50;

(c) Determine the desired score on the examination and the manner in which the results of the examination administered to a pupil will affect the grade of the pupil in the course in which the examination is administered; and

(d) Not later than August 31 of each year, aggregate the results of the examination for all pupils at the public high school and report the aggregated results to the board of trustees of the school district in which the public high school is located.

3. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, no pupil in any public high school may receive a certificate or diploma of graduation without having taken the examination described in subsection 1.

4. A pupil may receive a waiver from the examination administered pursuant to subsection 1 if:

(a) The pupil is a pupil with a disability and the waiver is in accordance with his or her individualized education program;

(b) The pupil is identified as an English learner and the public high school is unable to offer the examination in the language which would be most likely to provide accurate results for the pupil; or

(c) The principal or administrator of the public high school determines that the pupil has completed all other academic requirements to receive a certificate or diploma of graduation and has shown good cause for a waiver. The principal or administrator of a public high school shall not grant a waiver pursuant to this paragraph to more than 10 percent of each graduating class of the public high school.

5. On or before December 31 of each year, the board of trustees of each school district shall report the aggregated results of the examination received by the board of trustees of the school district pursuant to subsection 2 to the Department.

6. As used in this section, “public high school” includes, without limitation, any charter school that operates as a high school.

(Added to NRS by 2017, 2052; A 2017, 2053; 2021, 1954)

NRS 389.0095 Establishment of plan to identify pupils for placement in more rigorous courses; notification of parent or guardian; establishment of more rigorous courses.

1. The State Board shall adopt regulations that require each public school to establish and carry out a plan to identify pupils in grades 3 to 12, inclusive, for placement in more rigorous courses in mathematics, English language arts, science and social studies. The regulations must require a school to use the criterion-referenced examinations administered pursuant to NRS 390.105 or norm-referenced, nationally recognized examinations and any other methods determined appropriate by the State Board to identify pupils for such placement.

2. If a pupil is identified for placement in a more rigorous course pursuant to subsection 1 and such a course is offered at the public school in which the pupil is enrolled:

(a) The principal of the public school in which the pupil is enrolled shall provide to the parent or guardian of the pupil written notice that the pupil has been identified for such placement which must include, without limitation:

(1) The subject area for which the pupil has been identified for such placement; and

(2) A statement that the pupil will be placed in a more rigorous course in that subject area unless the parent or guardian submits to the principal a written notice of his or her objection to such placement.

(b) The pupil must be placed in the more rigorous course unless the parent or guardian submits to the principal a written notice of his or her objection to such placement.

3. The board of trustees of a school district or the governing body of a charter school shall establish a more rigorous course in mathematics, English language arts, science or social studies if:

(a) There are sufficient numbers of pupils enrolled in the highest level of a course in that subject area offered in the school district or charter school who are identified for placement in a more rigorous course pursuant to subsection 1 to warrant the establishment of such a more rigorous course; and

(b) The school district or charter school has sufficient financial resources to establish the course.

4. The provisions of this section must not be construed to require a school district or charter school to establish a course for which sufficient financial resources are not available.

(Added to NRS by 2019, 1205)

NRS 389.014 Patriotic observance. Each public school shall set aside appropriate time at the beginning of each school day for pupils to pledge their allegiance to the flag of the United States. In addition, each public school may set aside appropriate time during the school day for additional patriotic observance.

[294:32:1956]—(NRS A 1999, 125)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 389.040)

Development of Academic Subjects and Courses of Study

NRS 389.018 Designation of core academic subjects; minimum units of credit required in high school; exception; additional subjects to be taught. [Effective through June 30, 2024.]

1. The following subjects are designated as the core academic subjects that must be taught, as applicable for grade levels, in all public schools, the Caliente Youth Center, the Nevada Youth Training Center and any other state facility for the detention of children that is operated pursuant to title 5 of NRS:

(a) English language arts;

(b) Mathematics;

(d) Social studies, which includes only the subjects of history, geography, economics, civics, financial literacy and multicultural education.

2. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a pupil enrolled in a public high school must enroll in a minimum of:

(a) Four units of credit in English language arts;

(b) Four units of credit in mathematics, including, without limitation, Algebra I and geometry, or an equivalent course of study that integrates Algebra I and geometry;

(d) Three units of credit in social studies, including, without limitation:

(1) One-half unit of credit in American government;

(2) Two units of credit in American history, world history or geography; and

(3) One-half unit of credit in economics.

Ê A pupil is not required to enroll in the courses of study and credits required by this subsection if the pupil, the parent or legal guardian of the pupil and an administrator or a counselor at the school in which the pupil is enrolled mutually agree to a modified course of study for the pupil and that modified course of study satisfies at least the requirements for a standard high school diploma, an adjusted diploma or an alternative diploma, as applicable. A school district may authorize one or more public high schools in the school district to offer a combined course in American government and economics for one unit of credit which satisfies the requirements of subparagraphs (1) and (3) if the curriculum of an advanced placement course is used for American government in the combined course.

3. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, in addition to the core academic subjects, the following subjects must be taught as applicable for grade levels and to the extent practicable in all public schools, the Caliente Youth Center, the Nevada Youth Training Center and any other state facility for the detention of children that is operated pursuant to title 5 of NRS:

(a) The arts;

(b) Computer education and technology;

(d) Physical education.

Ê If the State Board requires the completion of course work in a subject area set forth in this subsection for graduation from high school or promotion to the next grade, a public school shall offer the required course work. Except as otherwise provided for a course of study in health prescribed by subsection 1 of NRS 389.021 and the instruction prescribed by subsection 1 of NRS 389.064, unless a subject is required for graduation from high school or promotion to the next grade, a charter school is not required to comply with this subsection.

4. Instruction in health and physical education provided pursuant to subsection 3 must include, without limitation, instruction concerning the importance of annual physical examinations by a provider of health care and the appropriate response to unusual aches and pains.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3257; A 2003, 1143; 2007, 1962; 2013, 2261; 2015, 1330, 2095; 2017, 237, 2929; 2019, 1478; 2021, 905, 1954)

(a) English language arts;

(b) Mathematics;

(d) Social studies, which includes only the subjects of history, geography, economics, civics, financial literacy and multicultural education.

2. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a pupil enrolled in a public high school must enroll in a minimum of:

(a) Four units of credit in English language arts;

(b) Four units of credit in mathematics, including, without limitation, Algebra I and geometry, or an equivalent course of study that integrates Algebra I and geometry;

(d) Three units of credit in social studies, including, without limitation:

(1) One-half unit of credit in American government;

(2) Two units of credit in American history, world history or geography; and

(3) One-half unit of credit in economics.

(a) The arts;

(b) Computer education and technology;

(d) Physical education.

5. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 6, in addition to the courses of study and credits required by subsection 2, a pupil enrolled in a public high school must enroll in:

(a) Any additional courses of study and credits required by the State Board to receive a college and career ready high school diploma, including, without limitation, the courses of study and credits required to receive one of the endorsements described in subsection 3 of NRS 390.605; or

(b) Any additional courses of study and credits required to receive a diploma that is awarded by a school district and is equivalent to or more rigorous than a college and career ready high school diploma.

6. A pupil is not required to enroll in the courses of study and credits required by subsection 5 if:

(a) After the pupil’s ninth grade year, the pupil and, to the extent practicable, the parent or legal guardian of the pupil consult with a counselor and, to the extent practicable, an administrator, at the school in which the pupil is enrolled and the pupil, counselor and, if applicable, the parent or legal guardian and administrator, mutually agree to a modified course of study for the pupil and that modified course of study satisfies at least the requirements for a standard high school diploma, an adjusted diploma or an alternative diploma, as applicable; or

(b) The pupil is a pupil with a disability and, in accordance with his or her individualized education program or a plan developed in accordance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794, is exempted from the requirement to enroll in the courses of study and credits required by this subsection.

7. As used in this section, “individualized education program” has the meaning ascribed to it in 20 U.S.C. § 1414(d)(1)(A).

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3257; A 2003, 1143; 2007, 1962; 2013, 2261; 2015, 1330, 2095; 2017, 237, 2929; 2019, 1478; 2021, 905, 1954; 2023, 1172, effective July 1, 2024)

(a) English language arts;

(b) Mathematics;

(d) Social studies, which includes only the subjects of history, geography, economics, civics, financial literacy and multicultural education.

2. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a pupil enrolled in a public high school must enroll in a minimum of:

(a) Four units of credit in English language arts;

(b) Four units of credit in mathematics, including, without limitation, Algebra I and geometry, or an equivalent course of study that integrates Algebra I and geometry;

(d) Three units of credit in social studies, including, without limitation:

(1) One-half unit of credit in American government;

(2) Two units of credit in American history, world history or geography; and

(3) One-half unit of credit in economics and financial literacy.

Ê A pupil is not required to enroll in the courses of study and credits required by this subsection if the pupil, the parent or legal guardian of the pupil and an administrator or a counselor at the school in which the pupil is enrolled mutually agree to a modified course of study for the pupil and that modified course of study satisfies at least the requirements for a standard high school diploma, an adjusted diploma or an alternative diploma, as applicable. A school district may authorize one or more public high schools in the school district to offer a combined course in American government and economics and financial literacy for one unit of credit which satisfies the requirements of subparagraphs (1) and (3) if the curriculum of an advanced placement course is used for American government in the combined course.

(a) The arts;

(b) Computer education and technology;

(d) Physical education.

5. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 6, in addition to the courses of study and credits required by subsection 2, a pupil enrolled in a public high school must enroll in:

6. A pupil is not required to enroll in the courses of study and credits required by subsection 5 if:

7. As used in this section, “individualized education program” has the meaning ascribed to it in 20 U.S.C. § 1414(d)(1)(A).

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3257; A 2003, 1143; 2007, 1962; 2013, 2261; 2015, 1330, 2095; 2017, 237, 2929; 2019, 1478; 2021, 905, 1954; 2023, 146, 1172, effective July 1, 2028)

NRS 389.0186 Public high schools to allow pupils to receive certain credit for completion of certain computer science courses; limitation on application of such credit.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, each public high school, including without limitation, a charter school, must allow a pupil enrolled in the school to receive a fourth unit of credit towards the mathematics credits required for graduation from high school or a third unit of credit towards the science credits required for graduation from high school for successful completion of:

(a) An advanced placement computer science course;

(b) A computer science course that is offered through a program of career and technical education; or

(c) A computer science course that is offered by a community college or university which has been approved pursuant to NRS 389.160.

2. A pupil may not apply more than one unit of credit received for the completion of one or more courses described in subsection 1 toward the mathematics or science credits required for graduation from high school.

(Added to NRS by 2017, 4339; A 2023, 3371)

1. The State Board shall adopt regulations establishing courses of study and the grade levels for which the courses of study apply for:

(a) The academic subjects set forth in NRS 389.018. A course of study in health prescribed pursuant to paragraph (c) of subsection 3 of NRS 389.018 must, for pupils enrolled in middle school, junior high school or high school, including, without limitation, pupils enrolled in those grade levels at a charter school, include instruction in:

(1) The administration of hands-only or compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including a psychomotor skill-based component, according to the guidelines of the American Red Cross or American Heart Association;

(2) The use of an automated external defibrillator; and

(3) Organ and tissue donation, including, without limitation:

(I) How to register as a donor and the rules governing donor gifts in this State pursuant to NRS 451.500 to 451.598, inclusive;

(II) The societal and individual benefits of organ and tissue donation; and

(III) Facts about organ and tissue donation.

(b) Citizenship and physical training for pupils enrolled in high school.

(d) The prevention of suicide.

(e) Instruction relating to child abuse.

(f) The economics of the American system of free enterprise.

(g) American Sign Language.

(h) Environmental education.

(i) Adult roles and responsibilities.

Ê A course of study established for paragraph (a) may include one or more of the subjects listed in paragraphs (b) to (i), inclusive.

2. A teacher who provides instruction pursuant to subparagraphs (1) and (2) of paragraph (a) of subsection 1 is not required to hold certification in the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation unless required by the board of trustees of the school district pursuant to NRS 391.092 or by the governing body of the charter school.

3. The board of trustees of the school district, the governing body of the charter school or the governing body of the university school for profoundly gifted pupils may collaborate with entities to assist in the provision of the instruction required pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1 and the provision of equipment necessary for the instruction, including, without limitation, fire departments, hospitals, colleges and universities and public health agencies.

4. A pupil who is enrolled in a course of study in health through a program of distance education or a pupil with a disability who cannot perform the tasks included in the instruction required pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1 is not required to complete the instruction to pass the course of study in health.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3258; A 2013, 2262; 2017, 105, 301)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 389.0185)

NRS 389.026 Development of model curriculum for English language arts and mathematics; distribution; authorized use by teachers and regional training programs for professional development.

1. The State Board shall develop a model curriculum for the subject areas of English language arts and mathematics for each grade level in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive.

2. The Department shall provide each model curriculum developed pursuant to subsection 1 to:

(a) The board of trustees of each school district; and

(b) The governing body of each regional training program for the professional development of teachers and administrators.

3. The Department shall provide to the governing body of each charter school the model curriculum developed pursuant to subsection 1 for the grade levels taught at the charter school.

4. The board of trustees of each school district shall make available to each public school within the school district the model curriculum for the grade levels taught at the public school.

5. The model curriculum may be used as a guide by teachers and administrators in developing class lesson plans to ensure compliance with the academic standards adopted for English language arts and mathematics.

6. The governing body of each regional training program for the professional development of teachers and administrators may use the model curriculum in the provision of training to teachers and administrators to ensure compliance with the academic standards adopted for English language arts and mathematics.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 477)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 389.0187)

NRS 389.031 Development of standards for teaching personal safety of children.

1. The Department, in consultation with persons and organizations who possess knowledge and expertise in the teaching of personal safety of children, shall develop:

(a) Age-appropriate curriculum standards based on best practices for teaching the personal safety of children to pupils in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive.

(b) Recommendations to assist a school district or charter school in developing:

(1) A training plan to ensure that at least one employee at each school, as designated by the principal, receives training on the personal safety of children;

(2) Educational materials and information to be distributed to parents, guardians or other caretakers of pupils regarding the personal safety of children and how and when to teach and reinforce concepts and skills of the personal safety of children; and

(3) Policies and procedures for the referral of a child who has reported or experienced an incident that did or could have threatened his or her personal safety, and his or her family or guardian, if appropriate, to various services, including, without limitation, counseling or any other available services or resources.

2. The Department will review the standards and recommendations developed pursuant to subsection 1 on an annual basis to ensure that those standards and recommendations contain current information.

3. The Department may apply for and accept grants, gifts, donations, bequests or devises from any public or private source to carry out the provisions of this section.

4. As used in this section, “personal safety of children” means an age-appropriate recognition of various hazards and dangers that are particular to children, including, without limitation, the danger associated with unsafe persons, both known and unknown to the child, abuse, becoming lost or separated from a parent or guardian, and an awareness of age-appropriate steps a child may take to avoid, lessen or alleviate those hazards and dangers, including, without limitation, reporting threats of harm to a responsible adult.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 1327)

NRS 389.033 Development of list of curricula and programs concerning prevention of substance misuse and substance use disorders. The Department shall develop, maintain and publish on an Internet website maintained by the Department a list of evidence-based curricula and programs concerning the prevention of substance misuse and substance use disorders.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 2819)

1. The board of trustees of a school district shall establish a course or unit of a course of:

(a) Factual instruction concerning the human immunodeficiency virus; and

(b) Instruction on the human reproductive system, related communicable diseases and sexual responsibility.

2. Each board of trustees shall appoint an advisory committee consisting of:

(a) Five parents of children who attend schools in the district; and

(b) Four representatives, one from each of four of the following professions or occupations:

(1) Medicine or nursing;

(2) Counseling;

(3) Religion;

(4) Pupils who attend schools in the district; or

(5) Teaching.

Ê This committee shall advise the district concerning the content of and materials to be used in a course of instruction established pursuant to this section, and the recommended ages of the pupils to whom the course is offered. The final decision on these matters must be that of the board of trustees.

3. The subjects of the courses may be taught only by a teacher or school nurse whose qualifications have been previously approved by the board of trustees.

4. The parent or guardian of each pupil to whom a course is offered must first be furnished written notice that the course will be offered. The notice must be given in the usual manner used by the local district to transmit written material to parents, and must contain a form for the signature of the parent or guardian of the pupil consenting to the pupil’s attendance. Upon receipt of the written consent of the parent or guardian, the pupil may attend the course. If the written consent of the parent or guardian is not received, the pupil must be excused from such attendance without any penalty as to credits or academic standing. Any course offered pursuant to this section is not a requirement for graduation.

5. All instructional materials to be used in a course must be available for inspection by parents or guardians of pupils at reasonable times and locations before the course is taught, and appropriate written notice of the availability of the material must be furnished to all parents and guardians.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 836; A 1987, 1734; 2021, 3195)

NRS 389.037 Availability of course in computer science; efforts to be made to increase enrollment in such course by certain pupils. The board of trustees of each school district, the governing body of each charter school that operates as a high school and the governing body of each university school for profoundly gifted pupils shall:

1. Ensure that a course in computer science that has been approved by the State Board is made available to pupils enrolled in each public high school within the school district or in the charter school or university school for profoundly gifted pupils, as applicable. The course may be a course of distance education that is approved by the State Board and included on the list prepared by the Department pursuant to NRS 388.834.

2. Make efforts to increase the enrollment in the course of female pupils, pupils with disabilities and pupils who belong to ethnic and racial groups that are underrepresented in the field of computer science, as identified by regulation of the State Board.

(Added to NRS by 2017, 4338)

NRS 389.0375 Internet repository of resources for providing instruction in computer science; assistance to school districts and schools to establish programs of instruction in computer science.

1. The Department shall:

(a) Develop and make available to school districts, charter schools and university schools for profoundly gifted pupils an Internet repository of resources for providing instruction in computer science to pupils in all grades. The repository must contain, without limitation, resources for providing instruction concerning computational thinking and computer coding.

(b) Assist school districts, charter schools and university schools for profoundly gifted pupils as necessary to establish programs of instruction in computer science, including, without limitation, the courses required by NRS 389.037, that meet the needs of pupils enrolled in the school district, charter school or university school for profoundly gifted pupils, as applicable.

2. As used in this section:

(a) “Computational thinking” means problem-solving skills and techniques commonly used by software engineers when writing programs for computer applications. Such skills and techniques include, without limitation, decomposition, pattern recognition, pattern generalization and designing algorithms.

(b) “Computer coding” means the process of writing script for a computer program or mobile electronic device.

(Added to NRS by 2019, 2696; A 2019, 2700)

NRS 389.038 Review of course and instruction in computer education; recommendations to State Board regarding approval. The Department shall:

1. Review each course in computer science submitted to the State Board for approval pursuant to NRS 389.037 and all instruction in computer education and technology submitted to the State Board for approval pursuant to NRS 389.072; and

2. Make recommendations to the State Board concerning whether the course or instruction should be approved.

(Added to NRS by 2017, 4339; A 2017, 4345; 2023, 293)

NRS 389.041 Establishment of course of study in occupational guidance and counseling.

1. The State Board shall, by regulation, establish a course of study in occupational guidance and counseling.

2. The board of trustees of each school district shall establish the curriculum for the course of study in that district. The curriculum must be organized and, with the assistance of teachers, administrators, pupils, parents and the business community, coordinated by licensed school counselors who shall provide instruction and activities designed to:

(a) Promote normal growth and development.

(b) Promote positive mental and physical health.

(d) Assist each pupil to plan, monitor and manage the pupil’s personal, educational and occupational development.

(e) Meet the immediate needs and concerns of each pupil, whether the pupil’s needs or concerns require counseling, consultation, referral or information.

(f) Provide counselors, teachers and support staff with the knowledge and skills required to maintain and improve the course.

(g) Provide such other related assistance and instruction as is deemed necessary.

3. The instruction required by this section must be made available for each pupil in grades 7 to 12, inclusive.

4. The board of trustees in each school district shall organize and offer the curriculum within the limits of money made available to the district by the Legislature for that purpose.

(Added to NRS by 1991, 2087)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 389.180)

NRS 389.046 Programs and curricula for American Indians. The Superintendent of Public Instruction, working with the American Indian tribes, shall establish programs and curricula designed to meet the special educational needs of American Indians in this state.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 192)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 389.150)

Required Instruction

NRS 389.054 Instruction in American government; exception.

1. In all public schools, the Caliente Youth Center, the Nevada Youth Training Center and any other state facility for the detention of children that is operated pursuant to title 5 of NRS, instruction must be given in American government, including, without limitation, instruction on:

(a) The essentials of:

(1) The Constitution of the United States, including, without limitation, the Bill of Rights;

(2) The Constitution of the State of Nevada; and

(3) The Declaration of Independence;

(b) The origin and history of the Constitutions;

(d) Civics.

2. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 388C.120, the instruction required in subsection 1 must be given during at least 1 year of the elementary school grades and for a period of at least 1 year in all high schools.

[292:32:1956]—(NRS A 1961, 383, 628; 1973, 1547; 1979, 1598; 1989, 1960; 2001, 1491; 2003, 1144; 2005, 2429; 2013, 287)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 389.020)

NRS 389.057 Instruction in American history; exception. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 388C.120, American history, including, without limitation, the history of the:

1. Constitution of the United States, including, without limitation, the Bill of Rights;

2. State of Nevada, including, without limitation, the Constitution of the State of Nevada; and

3. Declaration of Independence,

Ê must be taught in all of the public schools in the State of Nevada for a period of at least 1 year.

[293:32:1956]—(NRS A 1973, 1547; 1979, 1598; 2001, 1491; 2005, 2429)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 389.030)

NRS 389.061 Instruction in history and contributions of certain groups of persons.

1. The board of trustees of each school district and the governing body of each charter school shall ensure that instruction is provided to pupils enrolled in kindergarten through grade 12 in each public school within the school district or in the charter school, as applicable, on the history and contributions to science, the arts and humanities of:

(a) Native Americans and Native American tribes;

(b) Persons of marginalized sexual orientation or gender identity;

(d) Persons from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, including, without limitation, persons who are African-American, Basque, Hispanic or Asian or Pacific Islander;

(e) Persons from various socioeconomic statuses;

(f) Immigrants or refugees;

(g) Persons from various religious backgrounds; and

(h) Any other group of persons the board of trustees of a school district or the governing body of a charter school deems appropriate.

2. The standards of content and performance for the instruction required by subsection 1 must be included in the standards of content and performance established by the Council to Establish Academic Standards for Public Schools pursuant to NRS 389.520. The instruction required by subsection 1 must be:

(a) Age-appropriate; and

(b) Included within one or more courses of study for which the Council has established the relevant standards of content and performance.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 947)

NRS 389.064 Instruction in personal safety of children; exception; report; required background checks of volunteers; acceptance of grants, gifts and donations.

1. The board of trustees of each school district and the governing body of each charter school shall ensure that instruction in the personal safety of children, based on the standards developed by the Department pursuant to NRS 389.031, be implemented as part of a course of study in health prescribed pursuant to paragraph (c) of subsection 3 of NRS 389.018.

2. The school district and the charter school, in accordance with the recommendations provided by the Department pursuant to subsection 1 of NRS 389.031, shall determine, for the instruction required by subsection 1:

(a) The content of and materials to be used to provide the instruction; and

(b) The grade levels in which the instruction will be provided.

3. A person who provides the instruction required by subsection 1 must be:

(a) A licensed teacher;

(b) An employee of the school district with special knowledge or training in the teaching of the personal safety of children;

(d) An employee of a law enforcement agency; or

(e) A volunteer of an agency which has as its primary purpose the teaching of the personal safety of children and who meets the requirements of subsection 8.

4. The school district and the charter school shall develop a procedure for the notification of the parent or guardian of each pupil to whom the instruction required by subsection 1 is to be provided. The procedure must inform the parent or guardian that:

(a) The parent or guardian may submit a written request that the pupil be excused from some or all of the instruction, except when the instruction is included in a course which is required for graduation; and

(b) All instructional materials to be used in the instruction required by subsection 1 are available for inspection by the parent or guardian at reasonable times and locations before the instruction is provided.

5. A pupil whose parent or guardian submits a written request pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 4 must be excused from such instruction without any penalty as to credits or academic standing.

6. The school district and the charter school shall consider the recommendations developed by the Department pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of NRS 389.031 and, to the extent money is available for this purpose, develop and implement:

(a) A training plan to ensure that all school employees receive training as to the teaching of the personal safety of children;

(b) Educational materials and information to be distributed to parents, guardians or other caretakers of pupils regarding the teaching of the personal safety of children; and

(c) Policies and procedures for the referral of a child who has reported or experienced an incident that did or could have threatened his or her personal safety, and his or her family or guardian, if appropriate, to various services, including, without limitation, counseling or any other available services or resources.

7. On or before August 1 of each year, each board of trustees and each governing body shall report to the Department for the preceding year:

(a) The grade levels in which the instruction required by subsection 1 was conducted;

(b) The curriculum content and materials distributed and utilized for the instruction required by subsection 1;

(d) The number of reports or disclosures by pupils of incidents that did or could have threatened their personal safety during the preceding school year.

8. An agency which has as its primary purpose the teaching of the personal safety of children, before allowing any volunteer of the agency to provide instruction pursuant to paragraph (e) of subsection 3, must ensure that the volunteer has successfully completed:

(a) A national background check, which must include, without limitation, a report of the criminal history of the volunteer from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History;

(b) A child abuse and neglect screening through the Statewide Central Registry for the Collection of Information Concerning the Abuse or Neglect of a Child established pursuant to NRS 432.100; and

9. An agency which has as its primary purpose the teaching of the personal safety of children shall, upon request from a school district or charter school and to the extent allowed by federal law, make available to the school district or charter school documentation of the agency’s conclusions regarding a volunteer’s successful completion of the requirements of subsection 8.

10. A board of trustees of a school district and a governing body of a charter school may apply for and accept grants, gifts, donations, bequests or devises from any public or private source to carry out the provisions of this section.

11. As used in this section, “personal safety of children” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 389.031.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 1328)

NRS 389.072 Instruction in computer education and technology; regulations.

1. Before beginning sixth grade, each pupil who is enrolled in a public school, the Caliente Youth Center, the Nevada Youth Training Center or any other state facility for the detention of children that is operated pursuant to title 5 of NRS, including, without limitation, each pupil with a disability who is so enrolled, must receive instruction in computer education and technology approved by the State Board, including, without limitation, instruction on the skills necessary to complete the criterion-referenced examinations administered pursuant to NRS 390.105.

2. If the State Board prescribes a course in computer education and technology pursuant to NRS 385.114 for pupils enrolled in high school, the State Board shall adopt regulations prescribing the percentage of the instructional time for the course that must be dedicated to computer science and computational thinking, which may include, without limitation, instruction in logic, coding, robotics and cyber security.

(Added to NRS by 2017, 4338)

NRS 389.074 Instruction in financial literacy. [Effective through June 30, 2028.]

1. The board of trustees of each school district and the governing body of each charter school shall ensure that instruction in financial literacy is provided to pupils enrolled in grades 3 to 12, inclusive, in each public school within the school district or in the charter school, as applicable. The instruction must include, without limitation:

(a) The skills necessary to develop financial responsibility, including, without limitation:

(1) Making reasonable financial decisions by analyzing the alternatives and consequences of those financial decisions;

(2) Locating and evaluating financial information from various sources;

(3) Judging the quality of services offered by a financial institution;

(4) Developing communication strategies to discuss financial issues;

(5) Controlling personal information; and

(6) Reviewing and summarizing federal and state consumer protection laws.

(b) The skills necessary to manage finances, including, without limitation:

(1) Developing a plan for spending and saving;

(2) Developing a system for keeping and using financial records; and

(3) Developing a personal financial plan.

(1) Identifying the costs and benefits of various types of credit;

(2) Understanding the methods to manage debt and the consequences of acquiring debt;

(3) Understanding how interest rates, compounding frequency and the terms of a loan can affect the cost of credit;

(4) Completing an application for a loan;

(5) Understanding different types of loans, including, without limitation, payday loans, automobile loans, student loans and mortgages;

(6) Explaining the purpose of a credit report, including, without limitation, the manner in which a credit report is used by lenders;

(7) Describing the rights of a borrower regarding his or her credit report;

(8) Identifying methods to avoid and resolve debt problems; and

(9) Reviewing and summarizing federal and state consumer credit protection laws.

(d) The skills necessary to understand the basic principles of saving and investing, including, without limitation:

(1) Understanding how saving and investing contribute to financial well-being;

(2) Understanding the methods of investing and alternatives to investing;

(3) Understanding how to buy and sell investments;

(4) Understanding compound interest, including, without limitation, in the context of investments;

(5) Understanding various types of securities, including, without limitation, stocks and bonds; and

(6) Understanding how the regulation of financial institutions protects investors.

(e) The skills necessary to prevent and limit the consequences of identity theft and fraud.

(f) The skills necessary to understand the basic assessment of taxes, including, without limitation, understanding the matter in which taxes are computed by local, state and federal governmental entities.

(g) The skills necessary to understand the basic principles of insurance, including, without limitation:

(1) Understanding the function of various insurance policies; and

(2) Determining the quality of an insurance provider.

(h) The skills necessary to plan for higher education and career choices, including, without limitation:

(1) Information concerning institutions of higher education and college preparedness;

(2) Information concerning career options;

(3) Writing a resume;

(4) Information concerning opportunities for financial aid, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the programs of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, and the manner in which to qualify for such opportunities;

(5) Information concerning scholarship opportunities, including, without limitation, the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship Program and Silver State Opportunity Grant Program; and

(6) Information concerning prepaid tuition and college savings programs and plans established pursuant to chapter 353B of NRS and section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 529.

2. The standards of content and performance for the instruction in financial literacy required by subsection 1 must be included in the standards of content and performance established by the Council to Establish Academic Standards for Public Schools pursuant to NRS 389.520. The instruction required by subsection 1 must be:

(a) Age-appropriate; and

(b) Included within a course of study for which the Council has established the relevant standards of content and performance, including, without limitation, a course of study in economics, mathematics or social studies.

3. The board of trustees of each school district and the governing body of each charter school in which pupils are enrolled in any grade of grades 3 to 12, inclusive, shall encourage:

(a) Persons to volunteer time, expertise and resources to assist a school district, governing body of a charter school, public school or teacher in the provision of instruction in financial literacy; and

(b) Partnerships between a school district or charter school and relevant persons, businesses or entities in which those persons, businesses or entities provide the resources necessary to provide instruction in financial literacy.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 1120; A 2017, 2930; 2021, 1127)

NRS 389.074 Instruction in financial literacy. [Effective July 1, 2028.]

(a) The skills necessary to develop financial responsibility, including, without limitation:

(1) Making reasonable financial decisions by analyzing the alternatives and consequences of those financial decisions;

(2) Locating and evaluating financial information from various sources;

(3) Judging the quality of services offered by a financial institution;

(4) Developing communication strategies to discuss financial issues;

(5) Controlling personal information; and

(6) Reviewing and summarizing federal and state consumer protection laws.

(b) The skills necessary to manage finances, including, without limitation:

(1) Developing a plan for spending and saving;

(2) Developing a system for keeping and using financial records; and

(3) Developing a personal financial plan that includes, without limitation, understanding and budgeting for the costs of housing, transportation and health care.