State of Nevada Class-Size Reduction Program State Board of Education December 11, 2014

CSR Policy Provisions: History  : Interim Legislative Study  1989 Legislature: CSR Act is enacted  GOAL Class-Sizes: Primary Grades – 15:1 Grades 4-6 – 22:1 Grades 7-12 – 25:1

CSR Policy Provisions: Funding History

CSR Policy Provisions: Class-Sizes NRS Kindergarten and Grades 1 & 2: 16:1 Grade 3: 18:1

CSR Policy Provisions: Alternative Class-Sizes NRS Provides flexibility in implementing pupil-to- teacher ratios in grades 1 through 6 for school districts other than Clark and Washoe Counties. Grades 1 through 3: 22:1 Grades 4 through 6: 25:1

CSR Policy Provisions: Flexibility Based Upon Funding Senate Bill 522 (Chapter 382, Statutes of Nevada, 2013) Select Kindergartens and Grades 1 & 2: 16:1 All Other Kindergartens: 21:1 Grade 3: 19:1

CSR Policy Provisions: Additional Flexibility Based Upon Fiscal Crisis Senate Bill 522 (Chapter 382, Statutes of Nevada, 2013) Plus Two Program Grades 1 & 2: 18:1 Grade 3: 21:1 All money that is saved must be used to minimize the impact of budget reductions on class sizes in grade 4-12, inclusive.

CSR Policy Provisions: Variances NRS (Agenda Items 10.a and 10.b)  A variance must be requested from the State Board if one or more elementary school in a school district exceeds the approved pupil-to- teacher ratio. The variance must include the reasons for the request and justification.  The State Board may grant a variance for good cause, including the lack of available financial support specifically set aside for the CSR.  The State Board, on a quarterly basis, submits a report to the Interim Finance Committee on variances.  NOTE: The State Board will not receive variance requests for kindergarten ratios to exceed class-sizes of 21:1. A principal of a school may request from the school district superintendent to exceed the ratio of 21:1 up to 25:1.

CSR Policy Provisions: Variances  Review Variance Requests for the First Quarter of School Year

CSR Policy Provisions: Plans NRS (Agenda Item 10.c)  Each school district, with recognized associations representing educational personnel, must develop a CSR Plan, within the limits of available financial support. The Plan is submitted to the State Board for review and approval, as appropriate.  The State Board must approve a CSR Plan if it: Reduces the pupil-to-teacher ratio in the elementary schools; and Is fiscally neutral, such that the plan will not cost more to carry out than a plan that complies with the prescribed/funded ratios.

CSR Policy Provisions: Plans Best Practice CSR Plans have multi-year strategies designed for sustainability and adaptability over a long-term timeline. Elements  Strategies for achieving required pupil-teacher ratios in schools where the district has requested a variance.  Recruitment and training activities for hiring new teachers.  Measureable objectives, a list of activities to achieve the objective, and an evaluation method for measuring progress.  Specific consideration of facility limitations (including support facilities) and strategies to maximize the use of current facilities.  Potential policy changes that may need to be made in order to pursue a CSR program. For example, decisions on where to locate new school programs and zoning requirements may need to be adjusted.  Projected enrollment and procedures for assigning students based on projected enrollment figures.

CSR Policy Provisions: Plans  Review of Current CSR Plans

CSR Policy Provisions: Submission and Approval of Variances & Plans NRS & NRS  Variances must be requested for the next quarter of a school year.  Recommended Time-Frame: May 1 st Submission of Variances and CSR Plans for Upcoming School Year June/July – State Board Reviews and Approves, as appropriate Quarterly Submission of Variance Requests & Plans from School Districts, if changes are requested

CSR Program – Data to Monitor NRS (Agenda Item 10.d)  The State Board, in consultation with the trustees of school districts and the recognized associations representing licensed educational personnel, after receiving comments from the general public, shall: DETERMINE THE DATA THAT MUST BE MONITORED BY EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT AND USED TO MEASURE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT CSR PLANS.  Each school district shall report the data to the State Board as required by the State Board.

CSR Program Questions?