Public Education Policy Structure in Nevada. Background Paper 95-12.

Overview & Synopsis

This paper describes Nevada's public education policy structure and the responsibilities of various administrative and legislative bodies, including the Nevada State legislature, the governor, the State Board of Education, the superintendent of public instruction, the State Department of Education; the Commission on Professional Standards in Education, the School District Boards of Trustees, school districts, and public schools. The paper also discusses governance issues regarding school-based management, charter schools, and school choice. The basic policy structure of Nevada's system of educational governance follows fairly traditional lines, being one of the more decentralized states in terms of regulatory authority. However, several groups that shape education policy are not referenced in state law: students and their parents, various businesses, parent coalitions, the Nevada Association of School Boards, the Nevada Association of School Administrators, and the Nevada State Education Association. The interactions among governors, chief state school officers, state boards of education, and legislatures are receiving increasing attention from those involved in shaping education policy. The biggest challenge facing state policymakers lies with defining priorities and reaching consensus. Contains one figure and 72 endnotes. The appendix lists education-governance structures in the 50 states. (LMI)