Jhone Ebert, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction in Nevada, is on a mission to revamp the state’s education system. During a meeting with the Senate Committee on Education, she expressed a vision for a brighter future for the over 449,500 students and 27,000 teachers in the state.
According to Ebert, Nevada’s education system feels outdated. She emphasized that while many educators are doing great work, the entire system needs to change so students can thrive in a rapidly evolving world. “We must adapt to survive and thrive in an innovative learning environment,” she said.
In her “State of Education” address, Ebert outlined four key initiatives for reforming education in the state. One of the main changes is to introduce Personalized Competency-Based Learning. This approach encourages students to think critically and develop communication and social skills instead of just memorizing facts. Ebert believes this shift will lead to more personalized education tailored to individual student needs.
“We need to foster their curiosity and empower students to become independent learners,” Ebert remarked. Her vision includes encouraging students to be innovators and problem solvers.
The second initiative focuses on the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). This model aims to boost academic performance and support positive behavior and emotional growth. Ebert highlighted that 81% of districts using MTSS reported a positive impact on their ability to implement this system. This proactive method can potentially save costs by reducing the need for expensive one-on-one support for students.
Another initiative is to enhance accountability for educators and schools regarding student outcomes. Ebert emphasized the importance of effective instruction that not only helps students succeed on standardized tests but also teaches them critical thinking skills. The Nevada Report Card serves as a tool for tracking school performance and student achievement.
Regarding student performance, Ebert shared some encouraging trends from standardized assessments. Although there was a drop in scores during the pandemic, math scores have improved from 26.3% in 2020-21 to 32.6% in 2023-24. English language arts scores have changed slightly, indicating ongoing challenges but with some progress.
Ebert also pointed out successes in Nevada’s education system. The graduation rate for Career and Technical Education programs has increased from 93.2% in 2020 to 96.9% in 2024. Additionally, chronic absenteeism decreased from 34.9% to 25.9% in the past school year.
Importantly, Nevada is investing $140 million in grants for preschool and literacy programs, providing more opportunities for young learners. Furthermore, teacher turnover has improved, dropping from 12.5% to 8.7% in the last year.
However, challenges remain. Ebert discussed issues such as funding, teacher recruitment, and disparities in discipline rates among racial and ethnic groups. These challenges will require ongoing attention as Nevada works to enhance its education system.
Check out this related article: “Empowering Future Talent: How Career and Technical Education is Shaping Arizona’s Workforce” | Arizona Capitol Times
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