1.1: Nevada School Law 2011

Front 1

Which Amendments of the U.S. Constitution deal with education?

Back 1

10th and 14th Amendments.

Front 2

Explain how the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution relates to school law.

Back 2

The 10th Amendment reserves powers to the states that are not reserved to the federal government. All state constitutions use this power to establish public schools.

Front 3

Explain how the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution relates to school law.

Back 3

The 14th Amendment allows the federal government to review school district practices and policies to make sure the school does not deprive anyone of the right to life, liberty, or property without due process or deny anyone equal protection.

Front 4

Which Article of the Nevada Constitution deals with education?

Back 4

Article 11.

Front 5

Describe Article 11, Section 1 of the Nevada Constitution.

Back 5

Article 11, Section 1 of the Nevada Constitution encourages education and appoints a superintendent of public instruction.

Front 6

Describe Article 11, Section 2 of the Nevada Constitution.

Back 6

Article 11, Section 2 of the Nevada Constitution provides for a uniform school system such that:
(a) schools shall run at least six months per year;
(b) public funding will be taken away for the percentage of the year where religion is taught;
(c) laws must be passed to ensure attendance at schools.

Front 7

Describe Article 11, Section 5 of the Nevada Constitution.

Back 7

Article 11, Section 5 of the Nevada Constitution provides for establishing different schools from primary to University and requiring teachers to take an oath.

Front 8

Describe Article 11, Section 6 of the Nevada Constitution.

Back 8

The legislature is required to pay for schools from the general fund.

Front 9

What do federal statutes do in relation to school law?

Back 9

Federal statutes inform school policies and practices, especially in areas where schools receive federal assistance.

Front 10

What do state statutes do in relation to school law?

Back 10

State statutes establish school districts and school boards and are rarely challenged.

Front 11

Who are the members of the State Department of Education?

Back 11

The State Department of Education consists of the superintendent of public instruction and the Board of Education.

Front 12

How many members are on the Board of Education?

Back 12

Ten.

Front 13

Are the members of the Board of Education elected by partisan (i.e. Democrat or Republican) or non-partisan ballot?

Back 13

Non-partisan.

Front 14

For how many years are the members of the Board of Education elected?

Back 14

Four.

Front 15

For how many terms may a member of the Board of Education be elected?

Back 15

Three.

Front 16

Who approves all public textbooks?

Back 16

The State Board of Education.

Front 17

What is the process for suspending or revoking a person’s teaching license?

Back 17

1) The State Superintendent of Public Instruction must recommend action by the State Board of Education;
2) The licensee must be given notice/hearing with:
(a) a statement of the charges,
(b) a copy of the recommendation, and
(c) notice he/she can have a hearing with the State Board of Education.

Front 18

When can the State Board of Education sponsor charter schools?

Back 18

When they have been denied by the school district or when the charter school is solely for special education students.

Front 19

Who appoints the Superintendent of Public Instruction and for how many years?

Back 19

The Superintendent of Public Instruction is appointed by the State Board of Education for a term of three years.

Front 20

What does the Superintendent of Public Instruction do?

Back 20

The Superintendent of Public Instruction issues teaching licenses, does administrative duties, employs personnel, and organizes the department.

Front 21

Who is responsible for setting the qualifications, rules, and standards for teachers?

Back 21

The Commission on Professional Standards in Education.

Front 22

How many members are there on the Commission on Professional Standards in Education?

Back 22

Nine.

Front 23

Who must the governor include in his appointments to the Commission on Professional Standards in Education?

Back 23

1) An elementary classroom teacher;
2) A middle school classroom teacher;
3) A high school classroom teacher;
4) A special education classroom teacher;
5) A school counselor;
6) Two school administrators;
7) A dean from UNR or UNLV;
8) A private school employee.

Front 24

Are the boundaries for the school districts patterned after the boundaries for the counties?

Back 24

Yes.

Front 25

How many members are on the county boards of education?

Back 25

The number of members varies based on the number of students in the district:
a) Less than 1000 students = 5 members
b) 1000-1500 students = 7 members unless they request to have only 5
c) More than 1500 students = 7 members.

Front 26

How many days of school instruction must be given each year?

Back 26

180 days.

Front 27

How many contingent days must be added to the school year in case schools are closed due to weather, accident, or natural disaster?

Back 27

Three.

Front 28

What does the Nevada Open Meeting Law require?

Back 28

School boards must open their meetings to the general public.

Front 29

Cite two examples of school board business that can be closed from the general public.

Back 29

1) Disciplinary hearings involving students;
2) Labor negotiations.