Revisions to Nondiscrimination and Equitable Educational Opportunities in Schools Position Statement

The mission of the Nebraska Department of Education is to lead and support the preparation of all Nebraskans for learning, earning, and living. The Board voted to make revisions to the Nondiscrimination and Equitable Educational Opportunities in Schools Position Statement to provide more clarity and ensure the education system, including the NDE, is taking charge of its roles and responsibilities in ensuring all Nebraskans, across all backgrounds and circumstances, have equitable access and opportunities for success.

State Board Position Statement

Nebraska Equity Lens Approved

The State Board approved the Nebraska Equity Lens, a document that will help guide decisions by the Board at every level. The Nebraska Equity Lens is designed to help board members consider groups and individuals who may be impacted by their decisions and remember to commit to equity throughout the decision-making process.

Equity Lens

Nebraska World Language Standards Approved

History was made at the September Board meeting when members approved the Nebraska World Language Standards for the first time. World language teachers, administrators, Educational Service Unit (ESU) staff, postsecondary representatives, and the Nebraska Department of Education created the Standards that provide the framework for world language education in Nebraska.

Nebraska World Language Standards

Attendance Awareness Month Resolution

Each year almost 36,000 students in Nebraska are chronically absent, meaning they miss 10 percent or more of their time in school. Chronic absence disproportionately affects students of color, students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students, and English learners. As part of their commitment to equity, the NDE is raising awareness about chronic absenteeism, its root causes, and potential solutions by leading Nebraska! Every Day Counts! The campaign includes resources for parents, teachers, and administrators on the importance of student attendance. As part of the campaign, the State Board adopted a resolution recognizing September as Attendance Awareness Month.

Nebraska! Every Day Counts! Resolution

Emergency Management in Schools

NDE’s School Security and Safety Director Jolene Palmer received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to assist with School Emergency Management. With this grant the NDE plans to provide training and technical assistance to local educational agencies so they may produce and maintain high-quality emergency operations plans.

Emergency Management Grant

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship Program

The State Board approved a continuation grant for the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Nebraska scholarship program. T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) is directed toward low-income professionals working in early childhood education and care programs who want to continue their education. The program operates in 21 states and assists early childhood educators complete an associate or bachelor degree in early childhood education and obtain a Nebraska teaching certificate with an Early Childhood Inclusive endorsement. T.E.A.C.H. pays tuition, books, and release time for those who work at least 30 hours per week in an early childhood program.

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship program.

Project AWARE Grant Renewed 

The Nebraska Department of Education was awarded a Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) State Education Agency Grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The State Board of Education originally authorized the Commissioner to accept the grant in 2018. With the Grant renewal, the Department intends to contract with the following partners through September 30, 2020:

  • Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for staff to assist with project coordination;
  • University of Nebraska—Lincoln Public Policy Center for project evaluation, including data collection, performance measurement, and written reports;
  • Chadron Public Schools for local project development, implementation, operation, and data collection;
  • Hastings Public Schools for local project development, implementation, operation, and data collection;
  • South Sioux City Community Schools Public Schools for local project development, implementation, operation, and data collection.

AWARE Grant