2021 Nebraska Teacher of the Year Presentation

Nebraska’s Teacher of the Year Paul Timm provided his quarterly update to State Board of Education members. Timm discussed his year so far and the work he has done to promote teaching across the state through several presentations. He also praised educators for persevering through a very challenging and unusual year.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Plan Update

NDE staff provided the board with a high-level update on Nebraska’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan, outlined key drivers for change, shared timelines, and provided an update on federal and state designations of schools.

ESSA Update

Research Study on the Impacts of COVID-19 on Educators and Students

Board members approved a contract with the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families & Schools, for the purpose of conducting a research study on the effects of the pandemic. The long-term goal is to support resilience among Nebraska schools and build their capacity to function effectively in the event of significant disruption. The intentions of the study are to capture the immediate, ongoing, and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on educators and educational systems across Nebraska’s urban and rural school districts, and to determine the effects of COVID-19 on students’ learning and achievement.

COVID-19 Research

21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grant Program

Nebraska’s 21st CCLC grant program creates an afterschool environment focused on improving overall student academic success, increasing positive behavior and social interaction, and increasing active and meaningful family and community engagement. Currently there are programs in 35 communities serving 150 school building populations. Continuation grants are being awarded to 11 quality programs that have successfully implemented 21st CCLC programming in 22 sites.

21st CCLC Grants

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II) Statewide Funds for Ineligible School Districts

Of Nebraska’s 244 public school districts, there are five public school districts ineligible to receive an ESSER II allocation. In an effort to support all schools and the students they serve, the board voted to use statewide ESSER II funds to provide an allocation for these five school districts.

ESSER II Statewide Funding Proposal

Nebraska Health Education Standards Discussion

Board members discussed the Health Education Standards draft and received input from the public. A group of educators led by the Nebraska Department of Education, began the work of developing the Nebraska Health Education Standards last year. The standards create the framework for K-12 health education in Nebraska. The anticipated approval date by the State Board of Education is in the fall of 2021.

More than 70 people spoke during the public comment period and the board received over 700 responses in written form. NDE is accepting public input through the summer.

Health Education Standards Draft

Public Survey

Health Education Standards Information