NRS: CHAPTER 391A - TRAINING, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND INCENTIVES

[Rev. 6/29/2024 3:56:06 PM--2023]

CHAPTER 391A - TRAINING, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND INCENTIVES

REGIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS; NEVADA EARLY LITERACY INTERVENTION PROGRAMS

General Provisions

NRS 391A.100 Definitions.

NRS 391A.105 “Regional training program” defined.

NRS 391A.110 “Statewide Council” defined.

NRS 391A.120 Creation of regional training programs and Nevada Early Literacy Intervention Programs; provision of services to teachers and administrators in certain geographical areas; designation of certain school districts as fiscal agents.

NRS 391A.125 Provision of training to teachers, other licensed educational personnel and administrators; maintenance and distribution of training list; authority of regional training program to contract with board of trustees to provide additional training; training for paraprofessionals authorized.

NRS 391A.130 Statewide Council for the Coordination of the Regional Training Programs: Creation; membership; terms; vacancy; compensation; cost of employing substitute teacher while member who teaches attends meeting; administrative support.

NRS 391A.135 Statewide Council for the Coordination of the Regional Training Programs: Duties; acceptance of gifts and grants authorized; compliance with federal laws and regulations.

NRS 391A.140 Superintendent of Public Instruction required to ensure Statewide Council and regional training programs carry out duties successfully.

Governing Body of Regional Training Programs

NRS 391A.150 Membership; terms; vacancy.

NRS 391A.155 Meetings; no salary or compensation for expenses.

NRS 391A.160 Employment and salary of coordinator; duties of coordinator.

NRS 391A.165 Submission of proposed biennial budget to Statewide Council; approval or denial of proposed budget by Statewide Council; inclusion of approved budget in Department’s biennial budget; acceptance of gifts and grants authorized.

NRS 391A.170 Request for revision of budget; form and submission; approval or disapproval by Statewide Council; determination whether work program revision is necessary.

NRS 391A.175 Adoption of training model; assessment of training needs; preparation and review of 5-year plan; request by another entity for regional training program to perform additional services or duties.

NRS 391A.180 Establishment of evaluation system for teachers and other personnel participating in regional training program.

NRS 391A.185 Facilitation and coordination of access to information related to suicide authorized; receipt of information by teachers and administrators does not create additional duty.

NRS 391A.190 Evaluation of regional training program by governing body; submission of annual report.

Miscellaneous Provisions

NRS 391A.200 Payment of certain costs and expenses by regional training program.

NRS 391A.205 Submission of annual report concerning professional development training by board of trustees.

NRS 391A.210 Annual Financial Literacy Month summit.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION OF PERSONNEL WHO WORK WITH PUPILS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

NRS 391A.250 Definitions.

NRS 391A.255 Grant Fund: Creation; administration; acceptance of gifts, grants and donations; uses of money; school districts and charter schools authorized to apply for grant.

NRS 391A.260 Training for certain personnel to be provided to extent money is available; school districts and charter schools authorized to contract for provision of training.

NRS 391A.265 Training for certain personnel to assist parents and guardians of pupils with autism spectrum disorders to be provided to extent money is available.

NRS 391A.270 Training for certain paraprofessionals to be provided to extent money is available; school districts and charter schools authorized to contract for provision of training.

PROGRAM TO TRAIN EMPLOYEES WHO OPERATE PRESSURE VESSELS

NRS 391A.300 Program to train employees who operate boiler or other pressure vessel.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

NRS 391A.345 “Professional development training” defined.

NRS 391A.350 Attendance of licensed employees at educational conference.

NRS 391A.355 Suspension of licensed employee for unexcused absence from educational conference.

NRS 391A.360 Payment of expenses of travel and living for administrators and teachers attending educational conference.

NRS 391A.365 Transportation of personnel to and from educational conference.

NRS 391A.370 Teachers and administrators to have access to professional development training; standards and minimum requirements of training; professional development training concerning computer science and computer education and technology.

NRS 391A.375 Focus and structure of scheduled professional development.

NRS 391A.380 Certain school districts to establish professional development program to provide training regarding working collaboratively; certain teachers and principals to receive such training.

NRS 391A.383 Certain school district to conduct investigation concerning parent and family engagement and school culture in certain circumstances; certain training regarding parent and family engagement and school culture to be provided; applicability.

NRS 391A.384 Provision of professional development training regarding parental involvement and family engagement and multicultural education; requirements of professional development training. [Effective July 1, 2024.]

NRS 391A.385 Professional development training regarding financial literacy to be provided to certain teachers.

INCENTIVES

Programs of Performance Pay and Enhanced Compensation for Recruitment and Retention of Teachers and Administrators

NRS 391A.450 Establishment of program.

NRS 391A.455 School district required to reserve certain amount of money for program; written notice of reservation of money; requirements for accounting and use of money reserved.

Teach Nevada Scholarship Program

NRS 391A.550 Definitions.

NRS 391A.555 “Account” defined.

NRS 391A.560 “Other provider of an alternative licensure program” defined.

NRS 391A.565 “Scholarship recipient” defined.

NRS 391A.570 “Teach Nevada Scholarship” defined.

NRS 391A.575 Teach Nevada Scholarship Program Account: Creation; administration; gifts, grants and donations; use of money in Account.

NRS 391A.580 Eligibility to apply for grant from Account to be used to award scholarships to students; State Board to review applications and award grants; prioritization of grant awards; retention of certain percentage of grant money by State Board; eligibility of students to apply for scholarship; regulations.

NRS 391A.585 Use of grant money to award scholarships; limitation on amount of scholarship; certain amount of scholarship retained by State Board until certain conditions are met.

NRS 391A.590 Return of certain amount of grant money if scholarship recipient does not complete program; additional money paid to grant recipient if scholarship recipient completes program.

NRS 391A.595 State Board to review Teach Nevada Scholarships and compile report; submission of report to Governor and Legislature.

Program to Provide Incentives to Earn Credentials in Computer Science

NRS 391A.600 Establishment of program; applications.

Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarship Program

NRS 391A.650 Definitions.

NRS 391A.655 “Account” defined.

NRS 391A.660 “Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarship” defined.

NRS 391A.665 “Other provider of an alternative licensure program” defined.

NRS 391A.670 “Scholarship recipient” defined.

NRS 391A.675 Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarship Program Account: Creation; interest and income; nonreversion; deposit of gifts and grants; use.

NRS 391A.680 Eligibility to apply for grant from Account to award scholarships to students; State Board to review applications and award grants; prioritization of award of grants; eligibility of students to apply for scholarship; regulations.

NRS 391A.685 Use of grant money to award scholarships; limitation on amount of scholarship; certain amount of scholarship retained by State Board until certain conditions are met.

NRS 391A.690 Return of certain amount of grant money if scholarship recipient does not complete program; additional money paid to grant recipient if scholarship recipient completes program.

NRS 391A.695 State Board to review Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarships and compile report; submission of report to Governor and Legislature.

Incentivizing Pathways to Teaching Grant Program

NRS 391A.700 “Approved traditional pathway licensure program” defined.

NRS 391A.705 Creation; eligibility to apply for grant from State Board to be used to award tuition assistance and stipends to students; State Board to review applications and award grants; prioritization of awards of grants; eligibility of student applicants; regulations.

NRS 391A.710 Use of grant money to award tuition assistance and stipends; eligibility of certain students enrolled in approved traditional pathway licensure program to apply for award of tuition assistance or stipend.

_________

NOTE: Section 3 of chapter 535, Statutes of Nevada 2019, at p. 3261 has been codified as NRS 391.172.

REGIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS; NEVADA EARLY LITERACY INTERVENTION PROGRAMS

General Provisions

NRS 391A.100 Definitions. As used in NRS 391A.100 to 391A.210, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 391A.105 and 391A.110 have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

(Added to NRS by 2001 Special Session, 176; A 2003, 914; 2011, 2310; 2013, 1691)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.500)

NRS 391A.105 “Regional training program” defined. “Regional training program” means a regional training program for the professional development of teachers and administrators created pursuant to NRS 391A.120.

(Added to NRS by 2001 Special Session, 176)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.504)

NRS 391A.110 “Statewide Council” defined. “Statewide Council” means the Statewide Council for the Coordination of the Regional Training Programs created by NRS 391A.130.

(Added to NRS by 2001 Special Session, 176)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.508)

1. There are hereby created the Southern Nevada Regional Training Program, the Northeastern Nevada Regional Training Program and the Northwestern Nevada Regional Training Program. The governing body of each regional training program shall establish and operate a:

(a) Regional training program for the professional development of teachers and administrators.

(b) Nevada Early Literacy Intervention Program through the regional training program established pursuant to paragraph (a).

2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5, the Southern Nevada Regional Training Program must primarily provide services to teachers and administrators who are employed by school districts in:

(a) Clark County;

(b) Esmeralda County;

(d) Mineral County; and

(e) Nye County.

3. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5, the Northeastern Nevada Regional Training Program must primarily provide services to teachers and administrators who are employed by school districts in:

(a) Elko County;

(b) Eureka County;

(d) Humboldt County;

(e) Pershing County; and

(f) White Pine County.

4. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5, the Northwestern Nevada Regional Training Program must primarily provide services to teachers and administrators who are employed by school districts in:

(a) Carson City;

(b) Churchill County;

(d) Lyon County;

(e) Storey County; and

(f) Washoe County.

5. Each regional training program shall, when practicable, make reasonable accommodations for the attendance of teachers and administrators who are employed by school districts outside the primary jurisdiction of the regional training program.

6. The board of trustees of the:

(a) Clark County School District shall serve as the fiscal agent for the Southern Nevada Regional Training Program.

(b) Elko County School District shall serve as the fiscal agent for the Northeastern Nevada Regional Training Program.

7. As fiscal agent, each school district is responsible for the payment, collection and holding of all money received from this State for the maintenance and support of the regional training program and Nevada Early Literacy Intervention Program established and operated by the applicable governing body.

(Added to NRS by 2001 Special Session, 176; A 2003, 2795; 2005, 1341; 2009, 1361; 2011, 2310)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.512)

1. Based upon the assessment of needs for training within the region and priorities of training adopted by the governing body pursuant to NRS 391A.175, each regional training program shall provide:

(a) Training for teachers and other licensed educational personnel in the:

(1) Standards established by the Council to Establish Academic Standards for Public Schools pursuant to NRS 389.520;

(2) Curriculum and instruction required for the standards adopted by the State Board;

(3) Curriculum and instruction recommended by the Teachers and Leaders Council of Nevada; and

(4) Culturally relevant pedagogy, taking into account cultural diversity and demographic differences throughout this State.

(b) Through the Nevada Early Literacy Intervention Program established for the regional training program, training for teachers who teach kindergarten and grades 1, 2 or 3 on methods to teach fundamental reading skills, including, without limitation:

(1) Phonemic awareness;

(2) Phonics;

(3) Vocabulary;

(4) Fluency;

(5) Comprehension; and

(6) Motivation.

(c) Training for administrators who conduct the evaluations required pursuant to NRS 391.685, 391.690, 391.705 and 391.710 relating to the manner in which such evaluations are conducted. Such training must be developed in consultation with the Teachers and Leaders Council of Nevada created by NRS 391.455.

(d) Training for teachers, administrators and other licensed educational personnel relating to correcting deficiencies and addressing recommendations for improvement in performance that are identified in the evaluations conducted pursuant to NRS 391.685, 391.690, 391.705 or 391.710.

(e) Training for teachers on methods to teach computer literacy or computer science to pupils.

(f) At least one of the following types of training:

(1) Training for teachers and school administrators in the assessment and measurement of pupil achievement and the effective methods to analyze the test results and scores of pupils to improve the achievement and proficiency of pupils.

(2) Training for teachers in specific content areas to enable the teachers to provide a higher level of instruction in their respective fields of teaching. Such training must include instruction in effective methods to teach in a content area provided by teachers who are considered masters in that content area.

(3) In addition to the training provided pursuant to paragraph (b), training for teachers in the methods to teach basic skills to pupils, such as providing instruction in reading with the use of phonics and providing instruction in basic skills of mathematics computation.

(g) In accordance with the program established by the Statewide Council pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 2 of NRS 391A.135 training for:

(1) Teachers on how to engage parents and families, including, without limitation, disengaged families, in the education of their children and to build the capacity of parents and families to support the learning and academic achievement of their children.

(2) Training for teachers and paraprofessionals on working with parent liaisons in public schools to carry out strategies and practices for effective parental involvement and family engagement.

(h) Training and continuing professional development for teachers who receive an endorsement to teach courses relating to financial literacy pursuant to NRS 391.019 and 396.5198.

2. The training required pursuant to subsection 1 must:

(a) Include the activities set forth in 20 U.S.C. § 7801(42), as deemed appropriate by the governing body for the type of training offered.

(b) Include appropriate procedures to ensure follow-up training for teachers and administrators who have received training through the program.

(1) Pupils with disabilities who participate in programs of special education; and

(2) Pupils who are English learners.

3. The governing body of each regional training program shall prepare and maintain a list that identifies programs for the professional development of teachers and administrators that successfully incorporate:

(a) The standards of content and performance established by the Council to Establish Academic Standards for Public Schools pursuant to NRS 389.520;

(b) Fundamental reading skills; and

Ê The governing body shall provide a copy of the list on an annual basis to school districts for dissemination to teachers and administrators.

4. A regional training program may include model classrooms that demonstrate the use of educational technology for teaching and learning.

5. A regional training program may contract with the board of trustees of a school district that is served by the regional training program as set forth in NRS 391A.120 to provide professional development to the teachers and administrators employed by the school district that is in addition to the training required by this section. Any training provided pursuant to this subsection must include the activities set forth in 20 U.S.C. § 7801(42), as deemed appropriate by the governing body for the type of training offered.

6. To the extent money is available from legislative appropriation or otherwise, a regional training program may provide training to paraprofessionals.

7. To the extent that money is available, the Department shall administer the training required pursuant to paragraph (h) of subsection 1.

8. As used in this section, “paraprofessional” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 391.008.

(Added to NRS by 2001 Special Session, 179; A 2003, 2798; 2003, 19th Special Session, 77; 2011, 1984, 2311; 2013, 1696; 2015, 3697; 2017, 3270; 2019, 1991, 2697; 2021, 1131)

1. The Statewide Council for the Coordination of the Regional Training Programs, consisting of nine members, is hereby created. The membership of the Council consists of:

(a) The Superintendent of Public Instruction or his or her designee.

(b) One member, who is not a Legislator, appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate.

(d) One member who is a teacher appointed by the Governor from a list of nominees submitted by the Nevada State Education Association.

(e) One member who is an administrator at a public school employed to provide administrative services at the school level and not to provide administrative services at the district level, appointed by the Governor from a list of nominees submitted by the Nevada Association of School Administrators.

(f) One member appointed by the Governor.

(g) Three members, each of whom is a superintendent of schools, or his or her designee, appointed by the governing body of each regional training program to represent the school districts served by the regional training program.

2. In making the appointments pursuant to paragraphs (b) to (g), inclusive, of subsection 1, the appointing authorities shall consider whether the appointments provide a geographical balance between urban and rural areas of this State and represent the cultural diversity of this State.

3. The Statewide Council shall elect a Chair from among its members.

4. After the initial terms, the appointed members of the Statewide Council serve a term of 2 years, commencing on July 1 of the year of appointment. A member may not be appointed to serve more than 3 consecutive terms.

5. A vacancy on the Statewide Council must be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.

6. Members of the Statewide Council serve without salary for their service on the Council. The members who are appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate and the Speaker of the Assembly are entitled to receive the per diem allowance and travel expenses provided for state officers and employees generally for each day or portion of a day during which a member attends a meeting of the Statewide Council or is otherwise engaged in the work of the Statewide Council. The per diem allowance and travel expenses for the members who are appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate and the Speaker of the Assembly must be paid from the Legislative Fund. To the extent that money is appropriated for this purpose, all other members of the Statewide Council are entitled to receive the per diem allowance and travel expenses provided for state officers and employees generally for each day or portion of a day during which a member attends a meeting of the Statewide Council or is otherwise engaged in the work of the Statewide Council. The per diem allowance and travel expenses for such members must be paid by the Department.

7. Any costs associated with employing a substitute teacher while a member of the Statewide Council who is a teacher attends a meeting of the Statewide Council must be:

(a) Paid by the school district or charter school that employs the member; or

(b) Reimbursed to the school district or charter school that employs the member by the organization that submitted the name of the member to the Governor for appointment pursuant to paragraph (d), (e), (f) or (g) of subsection 1.

8. The Department shall provide administrative support to the Statewide Council.

9. The governing bodies of the regional training programs may mutually agree to expend a portion of their respective budgets to pay for any administrative support of the Statewide Council that is required in addition to that provided pursuant to subsection 8.

(Added to NRS by 2001 Special Session, 177; A 2003, 2796; 2005, 1657; 2009, 1362; 2011, 1982; 2013, 1692; 2017, 2128)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.516)

NRS 391A.135 Statewide Council for the Coordination of the Regional Training Programs: Duties; acceptance of gifts and grants authorized; compliance with federal laws and regulations.

1. The Statewide Council shall meet not less than four times per year.

2. The Statewide Council shall:

(a) Adopt uniform standards for use by the governing body of each regional training program in the review and approval by the governing body of the training to be provided by the regional training program pursuant to NRS 391A.125 and 391A.175. The standards must ensure that the training provided by the regional training programs includes activities set forth in 20 U.S.C. § 7801(42), as appropriate for the type of training offered, is of high quality and is effective in addressing the training programs specified in subsection 1 of NRS 391A.125.

(b) In cooperation with the Office of Parental Involvement and Family Engagement created by NRS 385.630, establish a statewide program for teachers and administrators concerning effective parental involvement and family engagement which includes:

(1) Training for teachers on how to engage parents and families, including, without limitation, disengaged families, in the education of their children and to build the capacity of parents and families to support the learning and academic achievement of their children.

(2) Training for teachers and paraprofessionals on working with parent liaisons in public schools to carry out strategies and practices for effective parental involvement and family engagement.

(c) Coordinate the dissemination of information to school districts, administrators and teachers concerning the training, programs and services provided by the regional training programs.

(d) Disseminate information to the regional training programs concerning innovative and effective methods to provide professional development.

(e) Conduct long-range planning concerning the professional development needs of teachers and administrators employed in this state.

(f) Adopt uniform procedures and criteria for use by the governing body of each regional training program to report the evaluation conducted pursuant to NRS 391A.190.

(g) Review and recommend any necessary revisions to the 5-year plan prepared by the governing body of each regional training program pursuant to NRS 391A.175.

(h) Review and recommend any necessary revisions to the annual report prepared by the governing body of each regional training program pursuant to NRS 391A.190.

(i) Ensure that the governing body of each regional training program considers the plans to improve the achievement of pupils prepared pursuant to NRS 385A.650 for the public schools within the primary jurisdiction of the regional training program and the plan to improve the achievement of pupils prepared by the State Board pursuant to NRS 385.111 and is guided by those plans in the provision of professional development for teachers and administrators.

(j) Coordinate with the Office of Parental Involvement and Family Engagement in carrying out the duties of the Office.

3. The Statewide Council may:

(a) Accept gifts and grants from any source for use by the Statewide Council in carrying out its duties pursuant to this section and accept gifts and grants from any source on behalf of one or more regional training programs to assist with the training provided pursuant to NRS 391A.125; and

(b) Comply with applicable federal laws and regulations governing the provision of federal grants to assist the Statewide Council in carrying out its duties pursuant to this section and comply with applicable federal laws and regulations governing the provision of federal grants to assist with the training provided pursuant to NRS 391A.125, including, without limitation, providing money from the budget of the Statewide Council to match the money received from a federal grant.

4. As used in this section, “paraprofessional” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 391.008.

(Added to NRS by 2001 Special Session, 177; A 2003, 2797; 2003, 19th Special Session, 75; 2011, 1983; 2013, 1693; 2017, 3271)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.520)

NRS 391A.140 Superintendent of Public Instruction required to ensure Statewide Council and regional training programs carry out duties successfully. The Superintendent of Public Instruction is responsible for ensuring that the duties and responsibilities of the Statewide Council and the regional training programs set forth in NRS 391A.100 to 391A.210, inclusive, are carried out by the Statewide Council and the regional training programs successfully.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 2309)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.510)

Governing Body of Regional Training Programs

NRS 391A.150 Membership; terms; vacancy.

1. Each regional training program must have a governing body consisting of:

(a) The superintendent of schools, or the superintendent’s designee, for each school district that is included within the primary jurisdiction of the regional training program. The superintendent of schools serves ex officio.

(b) Teachers who are considered masters, appointed by the superintendents of schools of the school districts that are included within the primary jurisdiction of the regional training program and the representatives of higher education appointed to the governing body. Each teacher who wishes to be considered for appointment to the governing body must submit an application explaining his or her qualifications as a master teacher. At least one teacher must be appointed from each school district within the primary jurisdiction of the regional training program.

(c) Representatives of the Nevada System of Higher Education, appointed by the Board of Regents, and representatives of other institutions of higher education, as determined by the superintendents of school districts included within the primary jurisdiction of the regional training program.

(d) A nonvoting member who is an employee of the Department.

2. After the appointments are made, the governing body shall select a chair from among its membership.

3. Each member of the governing body shall serve a term of 2 years. A person must not be appointed to serve more than three consecutive terms.

4. A vacancy in the governing body must be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

(Added to NRS by 2001 Special Session, 178)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.524)

NRS 391A.155 Meetings; no salary or compensation for expenses.

1. Each governing body shall meet not less than two times per year and at the call of the chair.

2. Members of the governing body serve without salary or compensation for their travel or per diem expenses.

(Added to NRS by 2001 Special Session, 178)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.528)

NRS 391A.160 Employment and salary of coordinator; duties of coordinator.

1. The governing body of each regional training program shall:

(a) Employ or otherwise contract with a coordinator of the program, who serves at the pleasure of the governing body.

(b) Set the salary or other compensation of the coordinator.

2. The coordinator of each regional training program shall:

(a) Assist in the evaluation of the regional training program, as directed by the governing body; and

(b) Perform such other duties as directed by the governing body.

(Added to NRS by 2001 Special Session, 178; A 2005, 1658; 2013, 1694)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.532)

1. On or before the deadline prescribed by the Statewide Council, the governing body of each regional training program shall submit a proposed biennial budget for the regional training program to the Statewide Council.

2. The proposed biennial budget of the regional training program must be in the form prescribed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction and include, without limitation, the amount of money requested by the governing body to pay for the salary or other compensation of the coordinator of the program hired pursuant to NRS 391A.160.

3. The Statewide Council may deny any portion of a proposed biennial budget submitted by a regional training program. If the Statewide Council denies any portion of a proposed biennial budget, the Statewide Council shall provide a written report that describes the reasons for the denial to the governing body of the regional training program that submitted the proposed biennial budget, and the governing body of the regional training program may revise the proposed biennial budget and resubmit the revised proposed biennial budget to the Statewide Council for review. If the Statewide Council denies any portion of the revised proposed biennial budget, the Statewide Council shall submit a copy of the written report describing the reasons for the denial to:

(a) The governing body of the regional training program that submitted the revised proposed biennial budget;

(b) The fiscal agent for the regional training program;

(d) The Joint Interim Standing Committee on Education.

4. The proposed biennial budget of each regional training program, or the parts thereof, that was approved by the Statewide Council pursuant to subsection 3 must be included in the biennial budget of the Department. Any portion of the approved biennial budget of a regional training program that exceeds the budget for the regional training program in the immediately preceding biennium must be included in the biennial budget of the Department as a separate line item.

5. The governing body of a regional training program may:

(a) Accept gifts and grants from any source to assist the governing body in providing the training required by NRS 391A.125.

(b) Comply with applicable federal laws and regulations governing the provision of federal grants to assist with the training provided pursuant to NRS 391A.125, including, without limitation, providing money from the budget of the governing body to match the money received from a federal grant.

(Added to NRS by 2001 Special Session, 178; A 2003, 2798; 2003, 19th Special Session, 76; 2005, 1658; 2013, 1694)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.536)

NRS 391A.170 Request for revision of budget; form and submission; approval or disapproval by Statewide Council; determination whether work program revision is necessary.

1. If the governing body of a regional training program determines that a revision of the budget for the program is necessary because of changed conditions, the governing body may submit a request for a budget revision for the remainder of a fiscal year to the Statewide Council.

2. Every request for a budget revision must be submitted to the Statewide Council in the form and with such supporting information as the Superintendent of Public Instruction prescribes.

3. The Statewide Council shall approve or disapprove the request for a budget revision in writing. The Statewide Council may approve the request if the Statewide Council determines the budget revision is necessary because of changed conditions.

4. If the Statewide Council approves the request for a budget revision, the Statewide Council shall determine whether a request for a revision of a work program pursuant to NRS 353.220 is necessary. If the request for a revision of a work program pursuant to NRS 353.220 is necessary, the procedures set forth in NRS 353.220 must be complied with before the governing body of the regional training program may implement the budget revision.

(Added to NRS by 2013, 1690)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.538)

1. The governing body of each regional training program shall:

(a) Adopt a training model, taking into consideration other model programs, including, without limitation, the program used by the Geographic Alliance in Nevada.

(b) Assess the training needs of teachers and administrators who are employed by the school districts within the primary jurisdiction of the regional training program and adopt priorities of training for the program based upon the assessment of needs. The board of trustees of each such school district may submit recommendations to the appropriate governing body for the types of training that should be offered by the regional training program.

(c) In making the assessment required by paragraph (b) and as deemed necessary by the governing body, review the plans to improve the achievement of pupils prepared pursuant to NRS 385A.650 for individual schools within the primary jurisdiction of the regional training program.

(d) Prepare a 5-year plan for the regional training program for review by the Statewide Council, which includes, without limitation:

(1) An assessment of the training needs of teachers and administrators who are employed by the school districts within the primary jurisdiction of the regional training program; and

(2) Specific details of the training that will be offered by the regional training program for the first 2 years covered by the plan including, without limitation, the biennial budget of the regional training program for those 2 years.

Ê The governing body shall incorporate into the 5-year plan any revisions recommended by the Statewide Council.

(e) Review the 5-year plan on an annual basis and make revisions to the plan as are necessary to serve the training needs of teachers and administrators employed by the school districts within the primary jurisdiction of the regional training program.

2. The Department, the Nevada System of Higher Education and the board of trustees of a school district may request the governing body of the regional training program that serves the school district to provide training, participate in a program or otherwise perform a service that is in addition to the duties of the regional training program that are set forth in the plan adopted pursuant to this section or otherwise required by statute. An entity may not represent that a regional training program will perform certain duties or otherwise obligate the regional training program as part of an application by that entity for a grant unless the entity has first obtained the written confirmation of the governing body of the regional training program to perform those duties or obligations. The governing body of a regional training program may, but is not required to, grant a request pursuant to this subsection.

(Added to NRS by 2001 Special Session, 179; A 2003, 19th Special Session, 76; 2005, 713, 1658; 2009, 2332; 2011, 3501; 2013, 1695, 1933)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.540)

NRS 391A.180 Establishment of evaluation system for teachers and other personnel participating in regional training program.

1. The governing body of each regional training program shall establish an evaluation system for the teachers and other licensed educational personnel who participate in the program. The evaluation system must include:

(a) Specific measures of the success of each teacher and other licensed person who participates in the training provided by the program; and

(b) Recommendations for follow-up for the teacher or other licensed person to strengthen his or her skills in the classroom or otherwise in his or her position of employment with the school district or charter school.

2. Each evaluation must be provided in written form to the person who is evaluated and the principal of the school at which the person is employed, if applicable, or, if the person is not supervised by a school principal, his or her direct supervisor.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 2310)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.542)

NRS 391A.185 Facilitation and coordination of access to information related to suicide authorized; receipt of information by teachers and administrators does not create additional duty.

1. The governing body of a regional training program may facilitate and coordinate access to information by teachers and administrators concerning issues related to suicide among pupils. Such information must be offered for educational purposes only.

2. Receipt of or access to information pursuant to subsection 1 does not create a duty for any person in addition to those duties otherwise required in the course of his or her employment.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 913)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.545)

NRS 391A.190 Evaluation of regional training program by governing body; submission of annual report.

1. The governing body of each regional training program shall:

(a) Establish a method for the evaluation of the success of the regional training program, including, without limitation, the Nevada Early Literacy Intervention Program. The method must be consistent with the uniform procedures and criteria adopted by the Statewide Council pursuant to NRS 391A.135 and the standards for professional development training adopted by the State Board pursuant to subsection 1 of NRS 391A.370.

(b) On or before September 1 of each year and before submitting the annual report pursuant to paragraph (c), submit the annual report to the Statewide Council for its review and incorporate into the annual report any revisions recommended by the Statewide Council.

(c) On or before December 1 of each year, submit an annual report to the State Board, the board of trustees of each school district served by the regional training program, the Commission on Professional Standards in Education, the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Education and the Legislative Bureau of Educational Accountability and Program Evaluation that includes, without limitation:

(1) The priorities for training adopted by the governing body pursuant to NRS 391A.175.

(2) The type of training offered through the regional training program in the immediately preceding year.

(3) The number of teachers and administrators who received training through the regional training program in the immediately preceding year.

(4) The number of administrators who received training pursuant to paragraph (c) of subsection 1 of NRS 391A.125 in the immediately preceding year.

(5) The number of teachers, administrators and other licensed educational personnel who received training pursuant to paragraph (d) of subsection 1 of NRS 391A.125 in the immediately preceding year.

(6) The number of teachers who received training pursuant to subparagraph (1) of paragraph (g) of subsection 1 of NRS 391A.125 in the immediately preceding year.

(7) The number of paraprofessionals, if any, who received training through the regional training program in the immediately preceding year.

(8) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the regional training program, including, without limitation, the Nevada Early Literacy Intervention Program, in accordance with the method established pursuant to paragraph (a).

(9) An evaluation of whether the training included the:

(I) Standards of content and performance established by the Council to Establish Academic Standards for Public Schools pursuant to NRS 389.520;

(II) Curriculum and instruction required for the common core standards adopted by the State Board;

(III) Curriculum and instruction recommended by the Teachers and Leaders Council of Nevada created by NRS 391.455; and

(IV) Culturally relevant pedagogy, taking into account cultural diversity and demographic differences throughout this State.

(10) An evaluation of the effectiveness of training on improving the quality of instruction and the achievement of pupils.

(11) A description of the gifts and grants, if any, received by the governing body in the immediately preceding year and the gifts and grants, if any, received by the Statewide Council during the immediately preceding year on behalf of the regional training program. The description must include the manner in which the gifts and grants were expended.

(12) The 5-year plan for the regional training program prepared pursuant to NRS 391A.175 and any revisions to the plan made by the governing body in the immediately preceding year.

2. The information included in the annual report pursuant to paragraph (c) of subsection 1 must be aggregated for each regional training program and disaggregated for each school district served by the regional training program.

3. As used in this section, “paraprofessional” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 391.008.

(Added to NRS by 2001 Special Session, 180; A 2003, 2799; 2003, 19th Special Session, 78; 2005, 1342; 2013, 1698; 2017, 2129; 2019, 2699)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.552)

Miscellaneous Provisions

NRS 391A.200 Payment of certain costs and expenses by regional training program.

1. To the extent that money is available from legislative appropriation or otherwise, a regional training program must pay:

(a) The salaries and travel expenses of staff and other personnel necessary to the operation of the program;

(b) Related administrative expenses; and

2. To the extent that money is available from legislative appropriation or otherwise, a regional training program may provide incentives for teachers to attend the regional training program, including, without limitation:

(a) Arrangement for credit toward renewal of a license or an endorsement for a license;

(b) Provision of books, supplies or instructional materials for the classrooms; and

(Added to NRS by 2001 Special Session, 180)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.548)

NRS 391A.205 Submission of annual report concerning professional development training by board of trustees.

1. On or before December 1 of each year, the board of trustees of each school district shall submit, on a form prescribed by the Department, an annual report concerning the professional development training offered by the school district to the State Board, the Commission on Professional Standards in Education, the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Education and the Legislative Bureau of Educational Accountability and Program Evaluation.

2. The State Board shall prescribe by regulation the contents of the report required by subsection 1.

(Added to NRS by 2001 Special Session, 180; A 2011, 2312; 2017, 2130)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.556)

NRS 391A.210 Annual Financial Literacy Month summit. The governing body of each regional training program shall coordinate with the Department to provide an annual summit at the beginning of the Financial Literacy Month established pursuant to NRS 388.5964. To the extent that money is available, the Department shall administer the annual summit.

(Added to NRS by 2019, 1991)

TRAINING AND EDUCATION OF PERSONNEL WHO WORK WITH PUPILS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

NRS 391A.250 Definitions. As used in NRS 391A.250 to 391A.270, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, “Grant Fund” means the Grant Fund for the Training and Education of Personnel Who Work With Pupils With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 1538; A 2011, 2707, 2717)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.400)

NRS 391A.255 Grant Fund: Creation; administration; acceptance of gifts, grants and donations; uses of money; school districts and charter schools authorized to apply for grant.

1. There is hereby created the Grant Fund for the Training and Education of Personnel Who Work With Pupils With Autism Spectrum Disorders to be administered by the Department. The Department may accept gifts, grants and donations from any source for deposit in the Grant Fund.

2. The money in the Grant Fund must be used only for the distribution of money to school districts and charter schools for programs of training as set forth in NRS 391A.260, 391A.265 and 391A.270 and to provide assistance to licensed educational personnel who work with pupils with autism spectrum disorders in obtaining an appropriate endorsement to teach those pupils.

3. The board of trustees of a school district or the governing body of a charter school may apply to the Department on a form prescribed by the Department for a grant of money from the Grant Fund. The application must include a description of the program of training for which the grant of money will be used.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 1538; A 2011, 2707, 2717)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.405)

NRS 391A.260 Training for certain personnel to be provided to extent money is available; school districts and charter schools authorized to contract for provision of training.

1. To the extent money is available from the Grant Fund, the board of trustees of each school district and the governing body of each charter school shall ensure that the licensed educational personnel employed by the school district or charter school who work with pupils with autism spectrum disorders receive the appropriate preparation and training necessary to serve those pupils. The training may include, without limitation:

(a) The characteristics of autism spectrum disorders, including, without limitation, behavioral and communication characteristics;

(b) Methods for determining, on a regular and consistent basis, the specific needs of a pupil with autism spectrum disorder to ensure the pupil is meeting the objectives and goals described in the individualized education program of the pupil or other educational plan prepared for the pupil;

(d) Approaches for use in the classroom to assist a pupil with autism spectrum disorder with communication and social development; and

(e) Methods of providing support to pupils with autism spectrum disorders and their families.

2. To the extent money is available from the Grant Fund, the board of trustees of a school district or the governing body of a charter school may enter into an agreement with a local corporation, business, organization or other entity to provide training for licensed educational personnel employed by the school district or charter school who work with pupils with autism spectrum disorders in accordance with this section.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 1538; A 2011, 2707, 2717)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.410)

NRS 391A.265 Training for certain personnel to assist parents and guardians of pupils with autism spectrum disorders to be provided to extent money is available. To the extent money is available from the Grant Fund, the board of trustees of each school district and the governing body of each charter school shall ensure that the licensed educational personnel employed by the school district or charter school who are assigned to assist a parent or legal guardian of a pupil with autism spectrum disorder in making decisions about the services and programs available for the pupil receive the appropriate preparation and training:

1. On using the 2008 Report of the Nevada Autism Task Force and any subsequent report issued by the Nevada Autism Task Force created pursuant to chapter 348, Statutes of Nevada 2007, its successor organization or the Nevada Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders created by NRS 427A.8801 to determine best practices in the development of programs for pupils with autism spectrum disorders; and

2. To provide the parent or legal guardian with information on all options for treatment and intervention that may assist the pupil in the pupil’s development and advancement.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 1538; A 2011, 2707, 2717; 2019, 3059)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.415)

NRS 391A.270 Training for certain paraprofessionals to be provided to extent money is available; school districts and charter schools authorized to contract for provision of training.

1. To the extent money is available from the Grant Fund, the board of trustees of each school district and the governing body of each charter school shall ensure that a paraprofessional who is employed by the school district or charter school to provide assistance to pupils with autism spectrum disorders receives the appropriate preparation and training to acquire:

(a) Knowledge of autism spectrum disorder, including, without limitation:

(1) The characteristics of autism and the range of spectrum disorders within a diagnosis of autism;

(2) An understanding of the importance of building relationships between pupils with autism spectrum disorders, other pupils and teachers or adults to encourage the independence of a pupil with autism spectrum disorder; and

(3) The ability to determine the patterns of behavior of pupils with autism spectrum disorders;

(b) The ability to provide structure and predictability through the consistent use of methods that support prior learning and continued development;

(c) The ability to adapt, modify or structure the environment based upon an understanding of the auditory, visual or other sensory stimuli which may be reinforcing, calming or distracting to the pupil;

(d) The ability to use positive behavioral supports, including, without limitation, the use of discrete trial, structured teaching methods, reinforcement and generalized approaches to enhance the pupil’s education and prevent behavioral problems, as directed by the pupil’s teacher or other appropriate personnel;

(e) The ability to accurately collect and record data on the progress of a pupil with autism spectrum disorder and report to the pupil’s teacher in a timely manner if a particular strategy or program is not producing the planned outcome for the pupil; and

(f) The ability to communicate effectively and consistently with pupils with autism spectrum disorders using communication techniques designed for those pupils.

2. To the extent money is available from the Grant Fund, the board of trustees of a school district or the governing body of a charter school may enter into an agreement with a local corporation, business, organization or other entity to provide training for a paraprofessional who provides assistance to pupils with autism spectrum disorders in accordance with this section.

3. As used in this section, “paraprofessional” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 391.008.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 1539; A 2011, 2708, 2718)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.420)

PROGRAM TO TRAIN EMPLOYEES WHO OPERATE PRESSURE VESSELS

NRS 391A.300 Program to train employees who operate boiler or other pressure vessel.

1. The board of trustees of each school district, individually or in conjunction with other school districts, shall develop and carry out a program to train employees who operate a boiler or other pressure vessel which has a burner input of more than 2,500,000 British thermal units and is located in a public or private elementary or secondary school in this state.

2. The program must consist of instruction in the classroom and applied instruction regarding:

(a) Various types of boilers;

(b) General procedures for the operation of boilers;

(d) Methods used to control combustion and the flame;

(e) Equipment related to the burning of fuel;

(f) Equipment and accessories related to feed water and water treatment;

(g) Care and maintenance of boilers;

(h) Safety and emergency procedures; and

(i) Any other subjects determined to be appropriate by the board.

3. The board of trustees of each school district shall submit its program and any subsequent modifications to the program, including curricula and materials, to the Division of Industrial Relations of the Department of Business and Industry for its review and comment.

(Added to NRS by 1995, 908)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.278)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

NRS 391A.345 “Professional development training” defined. As used in NRS 391A.345 to 391A.385, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, “professional development training” has the meaning ascribed to “professional development” in 20 U.S.C. § 7801(42).

(Added to NRS by 2017, 2128; A 2023, 3017)

NRS 391A.350 Attendance of licensed employees at educational conference. Every teacher or other licensed employee, without loss of salary for the time employed, shall attend the educational conferences held in the school district in which he or she is employed unless excused for good cause by the superintendent of schools of the district.

[350:32:1956]—(NRS A 1971, 549; 1973, 396; 1979, 1606; 1987, 1003)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.280)

NRS 391A.355 Suspension of licensed employee for unexcused absence from educational conference. The Superintendent of Public Instruction may suspend, for a time not to exceed 1 year, the license of any teacher or other licensed employee who has an unexcused absence from any educational conference he or she is required to attend.

(Added to NRS by 1979, 1601; A 1987, 1003)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.285)

NRS 391A.360 Payment of expenses of travel and living for administrators and teachers attending educational conference.

1. Whenever an educational conference is called by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the board of trustees of a school district whose school administrators and teachers are required to attend the educational conference shall, unless such school administrators or teachers are excused for cause by the superintendent of schools of the district from attendance:

(a) Pay the actual necessary transportation expenses of school administrators and teachers of the school district to and from the educational conference.

(b) Pay the actual necessary living expenses of school administrators and teachers of the school district while attending the educational conference.

2. Expenses shall be paid out of the school district fund and claims therefor shall not exceed the statutory rate fixed for state officers.

[351:32:1956]—(NRS A 1979, 1606)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.290)

NRS 391A.365 Transportation of personnel to and from educational conference. A board of trustees of a school district may authorize the use of school buses to transport teachers, school administrators and other school employees to educational conferences convened by the State Board of Education.

[396:32:1956]—(NRS A 1979, 1616)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.295)

1. The State Board shall adopt regulations prescribing standards for the professional development training provided to teachers and administrators employed by a school district or charter school.

2. The board of trustees of each school district and the governing body of each charter school shall ensure that the teachers and administrators employed by the school district or charter school have access to high-quality, ongoing professional development training. The professional development training must meet the standards prescribed by the State Board pursuant to subsection 1 and include, without limitation, training concerning:

(a) The academic standards adopted by the State Board, including, without limitation, the academic standards for science.

(b) The academic standards and curriculum in English language development and literacy.

(1) Science, technology, engineering and mathematics, including, without limitation and to the extent applicable, computer science and computer education and technology.

(2) English language development and literacy.

(d) The cultural competency required to meet the social, emotional and academic needs of certain categories of pupils enrolled in the school, including, without limitation, pupils who are at risk, pupils who are English learners, pupils with disabilities and gifted and talented pupils.

3. Professional development training concerning the curriculum and instruction required for courses of study in computer science and computer education and technology may be provided by the school district or governing body or through an agreement with an institution of higher education, a regional training program for the professional development of teachers and administrators or the Department. If the professional development training is provided through an agreement with the Department, the professional development training may include content contributed by a third party if the content is approved by the Department for the purpose of professional development training.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 3697; A 2017, 2131, 3273, 4341)

NRS 391A.375 Focus and structure of scheduled professional development. If the board of trustees of a school district or the superintendent of schools of a school district schedules a day or days for the professional development of teachers or administrators employed by the school district:

1. The primary focus of that scheduled professional development must be to improve the achievement of the pupils enrolled in the school district, as set forth in the plan to improve the achievement of pupils prepared pursuant to NRS 385A.650.

2. The scheduled professional development must be structured so that teachers attend professional development that is designed for the specific subject areas or grades taught by those teachers.

(Added to NRS by 2005, 713; A 2009, 2331; 2011, 3500; 2013, 1932)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.298)

NRS 391A.380 Certain school districts to establish professional development program to provide training regarding working collaboratively; certain teachers and principals to receive such training.

1. In each school district in which more than 75,000 pupils are enrolled, the board of trustees of the school district shall establish a program of professional development to provide training for teachers and principals on how to engage and work collaboratively with each other, other educational personnel, members of the staff of the school and the parents and families of pupils who are enrolled in the school to ensure that the school environment is productive and that such persons are working collaboratively.

2. Teachers and principals must receive the training described in subsection 1 at the request of the superintendent of schools of the school district or the principal of the school.

(Added to NRS by 2017, 2421)

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, the board of trustees of a school district in which more than 75,000 pupils are enrolled shall conduct an investigation described in subsection 2 upon:

(a) The petition of at least 50 percent of the licensed employees and classified employees assigned to a school;

(b) The petition of parents and legal guardians of pupils who are enrolled in a school which is signed by a number of parents and legal guardians representing at least 5 percent of the number of the average daily enrollment of pupils for the school that was most recently reported pursuant to NRS 387.1223; or

(c) The affirmative vote of a majority of the members of an organizational team, if the principal of a school within the school district has established such a team as part of the reorganization of the school district in which the school is located to assist in the development of a plan of operation for the school or to provide other assistance and advice relating to the school.

2. An investigation conducted pursuant to subsection 1, must investigate whether:

(a) Teachers, principals and other members of the staff at the school are effectively engaging the parents and families of pupils who are enrolled in the school in the education of their children; and

(b) The culture at the school is focused on pupil outcomes.

3. The board of trustees of the school district shall provide any necessary and appropriate training for teachers, principals, other educational personnel and members of the staff at the school to ensure that parents and families of pupils who are enrolled in the school are effectively engaged in the education of their children and that the culture at the school is focused on pupil outcomes.

4. The provisions of this section do not apply to a school that has been designated as a turnaround school pursuant to NRS 388G.400 until after the first school year in which it has operated under such a designation.

(Added to NRS by 2017, 2421)

1. A school district and the governing body of a charter school shall provide professional development training on:

(a) Parental involvement and family engagement that meets the standards established by the Commission on Professional Standards in Education pursuant to NRS 391.019 to teachers who have not yet completed the course work on parental involvement and family engagement prescribed by NRS 391.019.

(b) Multicultural education that meets the standards established by the Commission on Professional Standards in Education pursuant to NRS 391.0347 to teachers who have not yet completed the course work on multicultural education prescribed by NRS 391.0347.

2. Any professional development training provided pursuant to subsection 1:

(a) May be provided by the school district or governing body or through an agreement with an institution of higher education or a regional training program for the professional development of teachers and administrators.

(b) Must be provided at no cost to the employee.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 3017, effective July 1, 2024)

NRS 391A.385 Professional development training regarding financial literacy to be provided to certain teachers. Each school district and the governing body of a charter school in which pupils are enrolled in any grade of grades 3 to 12, inclusive, shall provide professional development training regarding financial literacy to teachers who teach in a subject area in which instruction in financial literacy is provided. Such professional development training may be provided by the school district or governing body or through an agreement with an institution of higher education or a regional training program for professional development of teachers and administrators.

(Added to NRS by 2017, 2932)

INCENTIVES

Programs of Performance Pay and Enhanced Compensation for Recruitment and Retention of Teachers and Administrators

NRS 391A.450 Establishment of program.

1. The board of trustees of each school district shall:

(a) Establish a program of performance pay and enhanced compensation for the recruitment and retention of licensed teachers and administrators; and

(b) Commencing with the 2015-2016 school year, implement the program established pursuant to paragraph (a).

2. The program of performance pay and enhanced compensation established by a school district pursuant to subsection 1 must have as its primary focus the improvement in the academic achievement of pupils and must give appropriate consideration to implementation in at-risk schools and schools receiving the lowest rating possible indicating underperformance of a public school, as determined by the Department pursuant to the statewide system of accountability for public schools. In addition, the program may include, without limitation, the following components:

(a) Career leadership advancement options to maximize the retention of teachers in the classroom and the retention of administrators;

(b) Professional development;

(d) Multiple assessments of individual teachers and administrators, with primary emphasis on individual pupil improvement and growth in academic achievement, including, without limitation, portfolios of instruction, leadership and professional growth, and other appropriate measures of teacher and administrator performance which must be considered.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 2283; A 2013, 3149; 2015, 1602, 3821)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 391.168)

NRS 391A.455 School district required to reserve certain amount of money for program; written notice of reservation of money; requirements for accounting and use of money reserved.

1. The board of trustees of each school district shall reserve for each fiscal year, for the purposes of the program of performance pay and enhanced compensation established by the board of trustees pursuant to NRS 391A.450, an amount of money sufficient to provide an increase in base salaries, not including monetary benefits, for not less than 5 percent of the teachers and administrators employed by the school district. The amount of the increase must not exceed 10 percent of the annual base salary of each teacher and administrator to whom the increase is paid.

2. After making the reservation required by subsection 1, the board of trustees shall provide written notice of its action to the Department and the State Board, with information about the amount of money reserved and the increase in salaries to be paid. The State Board shall review that information at a meeting of the State Board.

3. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, the money reserved by the board of trustees pursuant to subsection 1:

(a) Must be accounted for separately by the school district.

(b) Is not subject to negotiations with an employee organization for the purposes of chapter 288 of NRS.

(c) Must be used only to pay an increase in salaries in accordance with this section and NRS 391A.450 and not to increase the salaries or monetary benefits of other employees of the school district.

4. Any money reserved pursuant to subsection 1 for a fiscal year that remains in the account established pursuant to subsection 3:

(a) At the end of that fiscal year does not revert to the general fund of the school district, but must be carried forward to the next fiscal year.

(b) At the end of the next fiscal year reverts to the general fund of the school district and may be expended by the board of trustees of the school district pursuant to the provisions of chapter 288 of NRS.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 3820)

Teach Nevada Scholarship Program

NRS 391A.550 Definitions. As used in NRS 391A.550 to 391A.595, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 391A.555 to 391A.570, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2193; A 2023, 2195)

NRS 391A.555 “Account” defined. “Account” means the Teach Nevada Scholarship Program Account created pursuant to NRS 391A.575.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2193)

NRS 391A.560 “Other provider of an alternative licensure program” defined. “Other provider of an alternative licensure program” means an entity, other than a university or college, which has been approved by the Commission on Professional Standards in Education in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant to NRS 391.019 to provide education and training to a student which will lead to an alternative route to licensure for the student.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2193)

NRS 391A.565 “Scholarship recipient” defined. “Scholarship recipient” means the recipient of a Teach Nevada Scholarship awarded pursuant to NRS 391A.585.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2193)

NRS 391A.570 “Teach Nevada Scholarship” defined. “Teach Nevada Scholarship” means a scholarship awarded by a university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program to a student pursuant to NRS 391A.585.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2193)

NRS 391A.575 Teach Nevada Scholarship Program Account: Creation; administration; gifts, grants and donations; use of money in Account.

1. The Teach Nevada Scholarship Program Account is hereby created in the State General Fund. The Account must be administered by the State Board.

2. The interest and income earned on:

(a) The money in the Account, after deducting any applicable charges; and

(b) Unexpended appropriations made to the Account from the State General Fund,

Ê must be credited to the Account.

3. Any money remaining in the Account at the end of a fiscal year including, without limitation, any unexpended appropriations made to the Account from the State General Fund does not revert to the State General Fund, and the balance in the Account must be carried forward to the next fiscal year.

4. The State Board may accept gifts and grants of money from any source for deposit in the Account.

5. The money in the Account may only be used to:

(a) Award grants to universities, colleges and other providers of an alternative licensure program that are approved to award Teach Nevada Scholarships pursuant to NRS 391A.585.

(b) Disburse the money retained pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 2 of NRS 391A.580 to a scholarship recipient who meets the requirements of subsection 4 of NRS 391A.585.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2193; A 2017, 2611)

1. A public or private university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program in this State is eligible to apply to the State Board for a grant from the Account to award scholarships to students who attend the university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program to complete a program offered by the university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program that has been approved by the State Board and which:

(a) Upon completion makes a student eligible to obtain a license to teach kindergarten, any grade from grades 1 through 12 or in the subject area of special education in this State; or

(b) Allows a student to specialize in the subject area of early childhood education.

2. The State Board shall:

(a) Establish the number of Teach Nevada Scholarships that will be available each year based upon the amount of money available in the Account.

(b) Review all applications submitted pursuant to subsection 1 and award a grant of money from the Account to an approved university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program to the extent that money is available in an amount determined by the State Board. The State Board shall retain 25 percent of such an award in the Account for disbursement to a scholarship recipient who meets the requirements of subsection 4 of NRS 391A.585.

3. The State Board:

(a) Shall prioritize the award of grants from the Account to a university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program will provide scholarships to a greater number of recipients who are veterans or the spouses of veterans.

(b) May prioritize the award of grants from the Account to a university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program that demonstrates the university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program will provide scholarships to a greater number of recipients who:

(1) Agree to complete the requirements to obtain an endorsement to teach English as a second language or an endorsement to teach special education;

(2) Intend to teach in public schools in this State which have the highest shortage of teachers;

(3) Have been economically disadvantaged or belong to a racial or ethnic minority group; or

(4) Will be eligible to teach in a subject area for which there is a shortage of teachers. Such a subject area may include, without limitation, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, special education or English as a second language.

4. A student may apply for a Teach Nevada Scholarship from a university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program that receives a grant from the Account only if:

(a) The student attends or has been accepted to attend the university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program to complete a program described in subsection 1; and

(b) The student obtained a high school diploma awarded by a public or private high school located in this State or public high school that is located in a county that borders this State and accepts pupils who are residents of this State or successfully completed the high school equivalency assessment selected by the State Board pursuant to NRS 390.055 before 20 years of age.

5. An application submitted by the student must identify the program to be completed and the date by which the student must complete the program to finish on schedule.

6. The State Board may adopt any regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of NRS 391A.550 to 391A.595, inclusive.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2194; A 2017, 2611; 2019, 4359; 2023, 2195)

NRS 391A.585 Use of grant money to award scholarships; limitation on amount of scholarship; certain amount of scholarship retained by State Board until certain conditions are met.

1. Each university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program that is awarded a grant of money from the Account pursuant to NRS 391A.580 shall use the money to award Teach Nevada Scholarships to students who will attend the university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program with the intent to complete a program described in subsection 1 of NRS 391A.580. Such students may include, without limitation:

(a) Recent high school graduates who enroll in a program described in subsection 1 of NRS 391A.580;

(b) Students who are enrolled at a university or college who change their academic program or major to a program described in subsection 1 of NRS 391A.580;

(c) Students who have completed some credits at a university or college and who enroll in a program described in subsection 1 of NRS 391A.580;

(d) Students who possess a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education who pursue an alternative route to licensure as a teacher;

(e) Veterans and the spouses of veterans; and

(f) Students who have had some experience working in a classroom, including, without limitation, as a paraprofessional or substitute teacher.

2. A university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program may award a Teach Nevada Scholarship to a scholarship recipient in an amount:

(a) Not to exceed the cost of receiving a bachelor’s degree at a public university in this State prorated over the number of semesters required for the student to complete the program; and

(b) Equal to the difference between the amount of tuition, registration fees and other mandatory fees charged to the student for the program described in subsection 1 of NRS 391A.580, excluding any amount of the tuition and fees that is waived by the university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program, and the total amount of any other gift aid received by the student.

3. A university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program that awards a Teach Nevada Scholarship shall, at the beginning of each semester disburse to the scholarship recipient 75 percent of the scholarship money awarded to the scholarship recipient for the semester.

4. A scholarship recipient may only receive the 25 percent of the scholarship money that is retained by the State Board pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 2 of NRS 391A.580 if the scholarship recipient:

(a) Completes the program for which he or she was awarded the scholarship;

(b) Maintains employment as a teacher at a public school in this State for 5 consecutive school years immediately following completion of the program unless the State Board waives this requirement for good cause shown; and

5. To receive the 25 percent of the scholarship money retained by the State Board pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 2 of NRS 391A.580, a scholarship recipient who meets the requirements set forth in subsection 4 must request the State Board to disburse the money within 1 year after the 5-year anniversary of the date on which the scholarship recipient meets the requirements of subsection 4.

6. As used in this section, “gift aid” means any grant or scholarship awarded to a student which is restricted for use only to pay for tuition, registration fees or other mandatory fees.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2195; A 2017, 2612; 2023, 2197)

NRS 391A.590 Return of certain amount of grant money if scholarship recipient does not complete program; additional money paid to grant recipient if scholarship recipient completes program.

1. If a scholarship recipient does not complete the program for which the scholarship was awarded for any reason, including, without limitation, withdrawing from the university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program or pursuing another course of study, the university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program that awarded the scholarship must pay to the State Board for credit to the Account:

(a) Any amount of money that the university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program has received but has not yet disbursed to the scholarship recipient pursuant to NRS 391A.585; and

(b) An amount of money equal to the total amount of money disbursed to the scholarship recipient pursuant to NRS 391A.585 or $1,000, whichever is less.

2. If a scholarship recipient completes the program for which the scholarship was awarded on schedule, as described in the application for the scholarship submitted pursuant to NRS 391A.580, to the extent that money is available for this purpose, the State Board shall pay $1,000 to the university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program that awarded the scholarship. Any money received by a university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program pursuant to this section must be used to pay costs associated with providing a program described in subsection 1 of NRS 391A.580.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2196; A 2017, 2613)

NRS 391A.595 State Board to review Teach Nevada Scholarships and compile report; submission of report to Governor and Legislature. On or before November 1 of each year, the State Board shall:

1. Review all Teach Nevada Scholarships awarded for the immediately preceding academic year;

2. Compile a report for the immediately preceding academic year which must include, without limitation:

(a) The number of students who applied for a Teach Nevada Scholarship;

(b) The number of scholarship recipients;

(d) The graduation rate of scholarship recipients;

(e) The percentage of students who:

(1) Were scholarship recipients in the academic year that immediately precedes the year which is the subject of the report;

(2) Did not graduate by the end of the academic year that immediately precedes the year which is the subject of the report; and

(3) Received a Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarship, as defined in NRS 391A.665, for the academic year which is the subject of the report;

(f) The percentage of scholarship recipients who graduated and became employed as a teacher at a public school in this State; and

(g) The number of scholarship recipients who subsequently fulfilled the requirements of subsection 4 of NRS 391A.585; and

3. Submit the report compiled pursuant to subsection 2 to the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for distribution to the next regular session of the Legislature.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2191)

Program to Provide Incentives to Earn Credentials in Computer Science

NRS 391A.600 Establishment of program; applications.

1. To the extent that money is available, the State Board shall establish by regulation a program to award grants to school districts located in a county whose population is less than 100,000 and charter schools to provide incentives for a teacher to earn a degree or other credential in computer science.

2. A school district or charter school may apply jointly for a grant pursuant to subsection 1 with another school district located in a county whose population is less than 100,000 or charter school, an employer, a college or university, a qualified provider of an alternative route to licensure approved pursuant to NRS 391.019 or a nonprofit organization.

3. A school district or charter school that wishes to obtain a grant pursuant to subsection 1 must submit to the Department an application in the form prescribed by the Department. The application must include, without limitation, a description of the incentives that the applicant intends to establish using the grant.

(Added to NRS by 2019, 2697)

Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarship Program

NRS 391A.650 Definitions. As used in NRS 391A.650 to 391A.695, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 391A.655 to 391A.670, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2192)

NRS 391A.655 “Account” defined. “Account” means the Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarship Program Account created by NRS 391A.675.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2192)

NRS 391A.660 “Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarship” defined. “Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarship” means a scholarship awarded by a university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program to a student pursuant to NRS 391A.685.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2192)

NRS 391A.665 “Other provider of an alternative licensure program” defined. “Other provider of an alternative licensure program” means an entity, other than a university or college, which has been approved by the Commission on Professional Standards in Education in accordance with the regulations adopted pursuant to NRS 391.019 to provide education and training to a student which will lead to an alternative route to licensure for the student.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2192)

NRS 391A.670 “Scholarship recipient” defined. “Scholarship recipient” means the recipient of a Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarship awarded pursuant to NRS 391A.685.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2192)

NRS 391A.675 Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarship Program Account: Creation; interest and income; nonreversion; deposit of gifts and grants; use.

1. The Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarship Program Account is hereby created in the State General Fund. The Account must be administered by the State Board.

2. The interest and income earned on:

(a) The money in the Account, after deducting any applicable charge; and

(b) Unexpended appropriations made to the Account from the State General Fund,

Ê must be credited to the Account.

3. Any money remaining in the Account at the end of a fiscal year, including, without limitation, any unexpended appropriations made to the Account from the State General Fund, does not revert to the State General Fund, and the balance in the Account must be carried forward to the next fiscal year.

4. The State Board may accept gifts and grants of money from any source for deposit in the Account.

5. The money in the Account may only be used to:

(a) Award grants to universities, colleges and other providers of an alternative licensure program that are approved to award Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarships pursuant to NRS 391A.685.

(b) Disburse the money retained pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 2 of NRS 391A.680 to a scholarship recipient who meets the requirements of subsection 4 of NRS 391A.685.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2192)

1. A public or private university or college or other provider of an alternative licensure program in this State is eligible to apply to the State Board for a grant from the Account to award scholarships to students who attend the university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program to complete a program offered by the university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program that has been approved by the State Board and which results in a master’s degree in education or a related field of study.

2. The State Board shall:

(a) Establish the number of Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarships that will be available each year based upon the amount of money available in the Account.

3. The State Board:

(a) Shall prioritize the award of grants from the Account to a university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program that demonstrates the university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program will provide scholarships to a greater number of recipients who:

(1) Received the Teach Nevada Scholarship, as defined in NRS 391A.570, and successfully fulfilled the requirements of subsection 4 of NRS 391A.585; or

(2) Are veterans or the spouses of veterans.

(1) Agree to complete the requirements to obtain an endorsement to teach English as a second language or an endorsement to teach special education;

(2) Intend to teach in public schools in this State which have the highest shortage of teachers;

(3) Have been economically disadvantaged or belong to a racial or ethnic minority group; or

4. A student may apply for a Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarship from a university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program that receives a grant from the Account only if:

(a) The student attends or has been accepted to attend the university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program to complete a program described in subsection 1; and

(b) The student has taught in a public school in this State for not less than 2 of the immediately preceding 5 years.

5. An application submitted by the student must identify the program to be completed and the date by which the student must complete the program to finish on schedule.

6. The State Board may adopt any regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of NRS 391A.650 to 391A.695, inclusive.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2192)

NRS 391A.685 Use of grant money to award scholarships; limitation on amount of scholarship; certain amount of scholarship retained by State Board until certain conditions are met.

1. Each university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program that is awarded a grant of money from the Account pursuant to NRS 391A.680 shall use the money to award Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarships to students who will attend the university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program with the intent to complete a program described in subsection 1 of NRS 391A.680. Such students may include, without limitation, students who have completed a bachelor’s degree and taught in a public school in this State for at least 2 years.

2. A university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program may award a Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarship to a scholarship recipient in an amount:

(a) Not to exceed the cost of receiving a master’s degree at a public university in this State prorated over the number of semesters required for the student to complete the program; and

(b) Equal to the difference between the amount of tuition, registration fees and other mandatory fees charged to the student for the program described in subsection 1 of NRS 391A.680, excluding any amount of the tuition and fees that is waived by the university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program, and the total amount of any other gift aid received by the student.

3. A university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program that awards a Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarship shall, at the beginning of each semester disburse to the scholarship recipient 75 percent of the scholarship money awarded to the scholarship recipient for the semester.

4. A scholarship recipient may only receive the 25 percent of the scholarship money that is retained by the State Board pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 2 of NRS 391A.680 if the scholarship recipient:

(a) Completes the program for which he or she was awarded the scholarship;

(b) Maintains employment as a teacher at a public school in this State for 3 consecutive school years immediately following completion of the program unless the State Board waives this requirement for good cause shown; and

5. To receive the 25 percent of the scholarship money retained by the State Board pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 2 of NRS 391A.680, a scholarship recipient who meets the requirements set forth in subsection 4 must request the State Board to disburse the money within 1 year after the 2-year anniversary of the date on which the scholarship recipient meets the requirements of subsection 4.

6. As used in this section, “gift aid” means any grant or scholarship awarded to a student which is restricted for use only to pay for tuition, registration fees or other mandatory fees.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2194)

NRS 391A.690 Return of certain amount of grant money if scholarship recipient does not complete program; additional money paid to grant recipient if scholarship recipient completes program.

(b) An amount of money equal to the total amount of money disbursed to the scholarship recipient pursuant to NRS 391A.685 or $1,000, whichever is less.

2. If a scholarship recipient completes the program for which the scholarship was awarded on schedule, as described in the application for the scholarship submitted pursuant to NRS 391A.680, to the extent that money is available for this purpose, the State Board shall pay $1,000 to the university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program that awarded the scholarship. Any money received by a university, college or other provider of an alternative licensure program pursuant to this section must be used to pay costs associated with providing a program described in subsection 1 of NRS 391A.680.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2194)

NRS 391A.695 State Board to review Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarships and compile report; submission of report to Governor and Legislature. On or before November 1 of each year, the State Board shall:

1. Review all Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarships awarded for the immediately preceding academic year;

2. Compile a report for the immediately preceding academic year which must include, without limitation:

(a) The number of students who applied for a Nevada Teacher Advancement Scholarship;

(b) The number of scholarship recipients;

(d) The graduation rate of scholarship recipients;

(e) The percentage of students who:

(1) Received a Teach Nevada Scholarship, as defined in NRS 391A.570, in the academic year that immediately precedes the year which is the subject of the report;

(2) Did not graduate by the end of the academic year that immediately precedes the year which is the subject of the report; and

(3) Were scholarship recipients for the academic year which is the subject of the report;

(f) The percentage of scholarship recipients who graduated and became employed as teachers at a public school in this State; and

(g) The number of scholarship recipients who subsequently fulfilled the requirements of subsection 4 of NRS 391A.685; and

3. Submit the report compiled pursuant to subsection 2 to the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for distribution to the next regular session of the Legislature.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2195)

Incentivizing Pathways to Teaching Grant Program

NRS 391A.700 “Approved traditional pathway licensure program” defined. As used in this section and NRS 391A.705 and 391A.710, unless the context otherwise requires, “approved traditional pathway licensure program” means a course of study or training, approved by the Commission on Professional Standards in Education pursuant to NRS 391.037, that:

1. Upon completion, makes a student eligible to obtain a license to teach in this State:

(a) Kindergarten or any grade from grades 1 through 12; or

(b) In the subject area of special education; or

2. Allows a student to specialize in the subject area of early childhood education.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2757)

1. There is hereby created in the Department the Incentivizing Pathways to Teaching Grant Program to award grants to public and private universities and colleges in this State that offer an approved traditional pathway licensure program for the provision of tuition assistance and stipends to students of such programs who meet requirements established by the State Board pursuant to this section and NRS 391A.710.

2. A public or private university or college in this State that offers an approved traditional pathway licensure program is eligible to apply to the State Board for a grant to award tuition assistance and stipends to students who attend the university or college to complete such a program.

3. The State Board shall:

(a) Based on the amount of money appropriated by the Legislature for that purpose, establish the number of awards of tuition assistance and stipends that will be available pursuant to the Incentivizing Pathways to Teaching Grant Program each year based upon the amount of money available for the Program.

(b) Review all applications submitted pursuant to subsection 2 and, to the extent that money is available within the limits of legislative appropriations, award a grant of money in an amount determined by the State Board to a public or private university or college that offers an approved traditional pathway licensure program.

4. The State Board may prioritize the award of grants to a public or private university or college that demonstrates the university or college, as applicable, will provide tuition assistance and stipends to a greater number of students who:

(a) Are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States or the spouses of such veterans;

(b) Intend to teach in public schools in this State which have the highest shortage of teachers; or

5. A student may apply for tuition assistance and a stipend awarded pursuant to the Incentivizing Pathways to Teaching Grant Program from a public or private university or college that offers an approved traditional pathway licensure program that receives a grant pursuant to the Incentivizing Pathways to Teaching Grant Program only if:

(a) The student attends or has been accepted to attend an approved traditional pathway licensure program at the university or college; and

(b) The student agrees to complete the requirements to obtain an endorsement to teach English as a second language or an endorsement to teach special education.

6. An application submitted by the student must identify the approved traditional pathway licensure program to be completed and the date by which the student must complete the program to finish on schedule.

7. The State Board may adopt any regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section and NRS 391A.710.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2757)

1. Each university or college that offers an approved traditional pathway licensure program in this State that is awarded a grant of money pursuant to NRS 391A.705 shall use the money to award tuition assistance and stipends pursuant to the Incentivizing Pathways to Teaching Grant Program to students who will attend the university or college with the intent to complete an approved traditional pathway licensure program. Such students may include:

(a) Students who are enrolled in their final three semesters of an approved traditional pathway licensure program; and

(b) Students who are enrolled in their final clinical field experience of student teaching in an approved traditional pathway licensure program.

2. A student who is enrolled in his or her final three semesters of an approved traditional pathway licensure program may apply for tuition assistance.

3. A student who is enrolled in his or her final clinical field experience of student teaching in an approved traditional pathway licensure program may apply for a stipend.

4. The student must:

(a) Agree to:

(1) Complete the approved traditional pathway licensure program for which he or she was awarded the tuition assistance or stipend; and

(2) Maintain employment as a teacher at a public school in this State for 5 consecutive school years immediately following completion of the program unless the State Board waives this requirement for good cause shown.

(b) Meet any other requirements established by the State Board.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 2758)