State Board Report
April 2020
Resolution on the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nebraska Schools
The State Board of Education approved a resolution that gives emergency powers to commissioner Matthew Blomstedt to make quick decisions regarding education rules and regulations in the best interest of students during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the resolution is a show of support for decisions the Nebraska Department of Education has previously made involving assessment, accountability, and instruction.
21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grants Approved
Board members approved Nebraska’s 21st CCLC grants. The program creates an after school environment focused on three goals: 1) improving overall student academic success; 2) increasing positive behavior and social interactions; and 3) increasing active and meaningful family and community engagement. To be eligible for a 21st CCLC grant sites must serve building populations with a free/reduced lunch rate of 40 percent or greater. Currently there are programs in 34 communities serving 139 schools.
Perkins V Plan Approved
The State Board of Education approved the Nebraska State Plan for the Strengthening Career and
Technical Education for the 21st Century Act commonly known as the Perkins V State Plan. The NDE is required to submit the four-year Perkins V State Plan to receive federal funds. The State Plan details stakeholder input, defines how the NDE will administer and implement Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, describes how Nebraska’s vision for CTE aligns with statewide workforce development efforts, determines how the needs of special populations will be met, outlines the NDE’s fiscal responsibility, and proposes the performance targets for accountability purposes.
Approval of Non-public Schools
All non-public schools submitted a Statement of Assurance indicating compliance with the approval regulations in Rule 14. Accreditation staff members conducted visits to selected schools. Based on information reviewed, the schools on the list below were found to be in compliance and are approved for the 2020-2021 school year.
Nebraska’s Approved Non-public Schools
Nebraska Teacher and Principal Performance Standards Updated
The State Board of Education approved revisions to the Nebraska Teacher and Principal Performance Standards. The Nebraska Teacher and Principal Performance Framework was first approved by the State Board of Education in 2011 and again in 2017.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the State Board of Education will be held on
Friday, May 8, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at the Nebraska State Office Building.
A work session may be held on Thursday, May 7, 2020 if needed. Times will vary by month.
For detailed information about the work session or business meeting,
visit www.education.ne.gov/StateBoard/Agendas.html.