There are 18 school districts in Nevada and 664 public schools. During the 2018-2019 school year, there were 493,000 students enrolled in K-12 public schools. About 59% of students are eligible for free or reduced price lunch. Nevada has a policy that directly addresses school climate surveying where the American Institutes for Research administers an online survey to students every spring to measure their perception of the schools climate. Other policies include those adressing bullying and cyberbullying, emergency situation planning, suicide prevention, disability accomodation, special education, social and emotional development, parent involvement and mental health services. There is a policy regarding suicide prevention where a policy needs to be in place for grades 7-12 to provide mental health services and education.
Safety
The Nevada School Climate/Social Emotional Learning Survey.
On behalf of the Nevada Department of Education, American Institutes for Research (AIR) administers an online student survey each spring to measure students’ perceptions of the climate of their schools and the students’ social and emotional competencies.
https://www.nevadaschoolclimate.org/NV-SCSELAdministratorManual2018.pdf
- Nevada School Climate Data Tool.
https://datatool.nevadaschoolclimate.org/
Who does this protect? Staff, administrators, students
Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes
Nevada Revised Statutes 388.132. Legislative declaration concerning safe and respectful learning environment.
Legislature declares that every classroom, hallway, locker room, cafeteria, restroom, gymnasium, playground, athletic field, school bus, parking lot and other areas on the premises of a school in this State must be maintained as a safe and respectful learning environment, and no form of bullying or cyberbullying will be tolerated within the system of public education in this State.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-132/
Nevada policies provide a definition of the terms bullying and cyberbullying as well as behaviors associated with these actions
- Nevada Revised Statutes 388.122. “Bullying” is defined.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-122/
- Nevada Revised Statutes 388.123. “Cyberbullying” is defined.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-123/
Nevada asks schools to develop and implement procedures to prevent bullying and harassment behavior and the consequences of such behavior. Policies also explain that procedures are needed for reporting an incidence of bullying and investigating it as well as how this policy will be communicated.
- Nevada Revised Statutes 388.133. Policy by Department concerning safe and respectful learning environment.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-133/
- Nevada Revised Statutes 388.1351. Staff member required to report violation to administrator; required actions and investigation; notification to parent or guardian; written report of findings and conclusions of investigation; follow-up with victim; list of resources to be provided to parent or guardian; appeal of disciplinary action; reassignment of pupil who is victim of bullying or cyberbullying; reports.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-1351/
- NRS 388.1455 – Establishment of SafeVoice Program; requirements of Program; support center for initial reports; training regarding Program and support center; duties of Director; reports, policies and regulations.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-1455/
Nevada Revised Statutes 388.135 – Bullying and cyber-bullying prohibited.
Nevada anti-bullying policies cover conduct that occurs on school property, school buses, school associated facilities and school sponsored events. It does not cover conduct that occurs off-school property.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-135/
Nevada Revised Statutes 388.1341. Development of informational pamphlet by Department; annual review and update; posting on Internet website; development of tutorial.
The Department, in consultation with persons who possess knowledge and expertise in bullying and cyber-bullying, shall, to the extent money is available, develop an informational pamphlet to assist pupils and the parents or legal guardians of pupils enrolled in schools in this State in resolving incidents of bullying or cyberbullying.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-1341/
Who does this protect? Students, teachers
Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes
Nevada schools need to develop plans for dealing with emergency situations
- Nevada Revised Statutes 388.243 – Development committee: Development of plan to be used by schools in responding to crisis, emergency or suicide; submission of plan to board of trustees or governing body of charter school and Division of Emergency Management of Department of Public Safety; compliance with plan required.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-243/
- Nevada Revised Statutes 388.253. Department: Development of model plan for management of a suicide or a crisis or emergency; requirements for model plan; authorized dissemination of plans prepared by Department and development committee; annual review and update of model plan.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-253/
Nevada Revised Statutes 388.265. Annual conference regarding safety in public schools; persons required or authorized to attend conference; State Public Charter School Authority required to annually discuss safety in charter schools at designated meeting, workshop or conference.
The Department of Education shall, at least once each year, coordinate with the Division of Emergency Management of the Department of Public Safety, any emergency manager, any chief of police of a school district that has police officers and any school resource officer to conduct a conference regarding safety in public schools.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-265/
Nevada Revised Statutes 388.910. Appointment and duties of school safety specialist.
The school safety specialist will be designated by the superintendent of schools of each school district. Their responsibilities will include revision of policies and procedures that relate to school safety to determine whether they comply with state laws and regulations.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-910/
Nevada Revised Statutes 392.450. Drills to instruct pupils in appropriate procedures to be followed in event of lockdown or emergency; approval of drills; posting of escape routes; enforcement; penalty.
The board of trustees of each school district and the governing body of each charter school shall provide drills for the pupils in the schools in the school district or the charter schools at least once each month during the school year to instruct those pupils in the appropriate procedures to be followed in the event of a lockdown, fire or other emergency.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-392/statute-392-450/
Nevada Revised Statutes 388.2358 – “School resource officer” defined.
A school police officer, deputy sheriff or other peace officer employed by a local law enforcement agency who is assigned to duty at one or more schools, interacts directly with pupils and whose responsibilities include, without limitation, providing guidance and information to pupils, families and educational personnel concerning the avoidance and prevention of crime.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-2358/
Nevada Revised Statutes 202.265 – Possession of dangerous weapon on property or in vehicle of school or child care facility; penalty; exceptions.
A person with permission from the president of a branch or facility of the Nevada System of Higher Education or the principal of the school, and a school resource officer may possess weapons on school grounds.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-202/statute-202-265/
Who does this protect? Students, Staff
Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes
Teaching/Learning
Nevada provides students with disabilities the accommodations and resources they need to have an appropriate education
- Nevada Revised Statutes 388.5267 – Minimum standards for special education of gifted and talented pupils; limitation on apportionment of state money for instruction.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-5267/
- Nevada Revised Statutes 388.4356 – Regulations to prescribe standards for program of training for school employees who assist with special education services and for providing certain notice to parents of pupils with disabilities; adoption of a program for reporting information concerning special education programs in schools; requirements of report.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-4356/
- Nevada Administrative Code 388.462 – Psychological and educational evaluation of persons with disabilities.
- Nevada Administrative Code 388.464 – Individualized educational programs: Preparation; purpose; review or revision.
- Nevada Revised Statutes 388.419 – Use of form for development, review and revision of individualized education program; minimum standards for special education and early intervening services; limitation on apportionment of state money for instruction.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-419/
Nevada Administrative Code 389.187. Academic career and personal and social development.
Designed for to teach pupils in kindergarten through the completion of the 12th grade;
- How to implement strategies and activities which support and maximize the ability of a pupil to learn, like developing skills to contribute to effective learning.
- How to provide the foundation for the development of skills, attitudes and knowledge which are necessary for the pupil to make a successful transition from school to his or her career and from career to career throughout his or her life span.
- How to develop the foundation for the personal and social development of the pupil as the pupil progresses from kindergarten through high school and into adulthood.
https://regulations.justia.com/states/nevada/chapter-389/kindergarten-through-high-school/389-187/
Who does this protect? Students, students with disabilities
Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes
Interpersonal Relationships
Nevada Revised Statutes 388.132. Legislative declaration concerning safe and respectful learning environment.
Legislature declares that schools in this State provide a safe and respectful learning environment in which persons of differing beliefs, races, colors, national origins, ancestries, religions, gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, physical or mental disabilities, sexes or any other distinguishing characteristics or backgrounds can realize their full academic and personal potential.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-132/
Who does this protect? Students, staff, teachers
Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No
Institutional Environment
Nevada Revised Statutes 392.457. Adoption of policies by State Board and school districts concerning effective involvement and engagement; annual review of policies.
The State Board shall, in consultation with the boards of trustees of school districts, educational personnel, local associations and organizations of parents whose children are enrolled in public schools throughout this State and individual parents and legal guardians whose children are enrolled in public schools throughout this State, adopt a policy to encourage effective involvement and engagement by parents and families in support of their children and the education of their children
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-392/statute-392-457/
Nevada Revised Statutes 385.635 – Duties; annual report; posting of certain information on Department’s website.
The Office of Parental Involvement and Family Engagement’s responsibilities include;
- Developing a list of practices which have been proven effective in increasing the involvement of parents and the engagement of families in the education of their children.
- Review and evaluate the programs implemented by the school districts and public schools for increasing family engagement.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-385/statute-385-635/
Nevada Revised Statutes 385A.320 District communication; parental involvement.
The annual report of accountability must include information on district communication efforts and parental involvement, including, without limitation, efforts made by the school district and by each school in the district.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-385a/statute-385a-320/
Who does this protect? Parents, students
Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes
Nevada schools need to develop plans for dealing with emergency situations
- Nevada Revised Statutes 388.243 – Development committee: Development of plan to be used by schools in responding to crisis, emergency or suicide; submission of plan to board of trustees or governing body of charter school and Division of Emergency Management of Department of Public Safety; compliance with plan required.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-243/
- Nevada Revised Statutes 388.253. Department: Development of model plan for management of a suicide or a crisis or emergency; requirements for model plan; authorized dissemination of plans prepared by Department and development committee; annual review and update of model plan.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-253/
Nevada Revised Statutes 388.265. Annual conference regarding safety in public schools; persons required or authorized to attend conference; State Public Charter School Authority required to annually discuss safety in charter schools at designated meeting, workshop or conference.
The Department of Education shall, at least once each year, coordinate with the Division of Emergency Management of the Department of Public Safety, any emergency manager, any chief of police of a school district that has police officers and any school resource officer to conduct a conference regarding safety in public schools.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-265/
Nevada Revised Statutes 388.910. Appointment and duties of school safety specialist.
The school safety specialist will be designated by the superintendent of schools of each school district. Their responsibilities will include revision of policies and procedures that relate to school safety to determine whether they comply with state laws and regulations.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-910/
Nevada Revised Statutes 392.450. Drills to instruct pupils in appropriate procedures to be followed in event of lockdown or emergency; approval of drills; posting of escape routes; enforcement; penalty.
The board of trustees of each school district and the governing body of each charter school shall provide drills for the pupils in the schools in the school district or the charter schools at least once each month during the school year to instruct those pupils in the appropriate procedures to be followed in the event of a lockdown, fire or other emergency.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2020/chapter-392/statute-392-450/
Nevada Revised Statutes 388.2358 – “School resource officer” defined.
A school police officer, deputy sheriff or other peace officer employed by a local law enforcement agency who is assigned to duty at one or more schools, interacts directly with pupils and whose responsibilities include, without limitation, providing guidance and information to pupils, families and educational personnel concerning the avoidance and prevention of crime.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-388/statute-388-2358/
Nevada Revised Statutes 202.265 – Possession of dangerous weapon on property or in vehicle of school or child care facility; penalty; exceptions.
A person with permission from the president of a branch or facility of the Nevada System of Higher Education or the principal of the school, and a school resource officer may possess weapons on school grounds.
https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/2021/chapter-202/statute-202-265/
Who does this protect? Students, staff
Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No
Social Media
There is currently no policy surrounding leadership in Nevada. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center
There is currently no policy surrounding professional relationships in Nevada. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center