This budget account funds several testing programs, each described below, mandated by the Legislature and administered by the Department of Education. The budget account is primarily funded by the General Fund appropriations.
The 2001 Legislature provided funds to support a contract with a nationally recognized testing company for the development, printing, scoring, and reporting of the Criterion-Referenced Tests (CRTs) in grades 3-8 (NRS 390.105). Using the CRT program for purposes of school accountability is required for Federal Title I compliance and by NRS 385.
As per NRS 390.105 and US PL 114-95, examinations measuring proficiency and achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics are to be administered in grades 3-8. These same laws require administration of examinations measuring proficiency and achievement in science in grades 5, 8, and high school prior to grade 11.
As per NRS 390.610, a College and Career Readiness assessment is required. This assessment also fulfills the requirement of US PL 114-95 to measure proficiency and achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics in high school.
Established in the 2015 Legislative session and updated in 2019, NRS 388.157 requires the assessment of all kindergarten through third grade students reading ability via a valid and reliable assessment selected by the State Board of Education. This assessment is to be developed, scored, and reported by a nationally recognized testing company according to NRS 390.105.
Academic Standards Council provides funding to support operational costs in support of the Council to Establish Academic Standards for Public Schools. The Academic Standards Council has been designated through NRS 390.115 as the sole entity within the state responsible for the establishment, periodic review, and prioritization of content and performance standards in the subject areas of English, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, computer and technology education, health, and physical education.
Funding for the Student Accountability Information in Nevada data system and the public facing Report Card required by NRS 385 are part of this budget account. This state reporting system captures students via unique identifications and tracks their progress through the education system, including their test results on the above-mentioned tests. Statutory authority: NRS Chapter 387, NRS Chapter 390; 2001 17th Special Session Senate Bill 2 and Senate Bill 13.