Purpose

The office of Special Education, Elementary and Secondary Education, & School Improvement Programs of the Nevada Department of Education provides training and technical assistance to school districts, other agencies, parents and other groups to support schools in meeting the language, socioeconomic backgrounds and students who have disabilities. Staff provide oversight to state and federal programs targeted toward these students including No Child Left Behind (NCLB), and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as well as the state reform under Nevada Education Reform Act (NERA). Staff members also assist with out-of-state placement opportunities for students who have special education needs for which services are not available within their districts. Grants are administered to school districts and other eligible entities. Consultants are responsible for approving applications, providing technical assistance, managing grants to school districts, ensuring professional development, and assuring compliance with the approved projects and the overriding state and federal requirements. School improvement efforts for schools needing support are coordinated out of this office.

Key Long-Term Objectives

• Guarantee that all students regardless of ability, ethnicity, culture, gender, belief system, or lifestyle have equal access to education.
• Create a climate of tolerance and respect within schools, where staff and students accept diversity.
• Provide genuine opportunities for all students to learn and achieve educational excellence.