The Senate Committee on Human Resources and Facilities was called to order by Chairman Raymond D. Rawson, at 2:20 p.m., on Wednesday, February 17, 1999, in Room 2135 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Agenda. Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster. All exhibits are available and on file at the Research Library of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:

Senator Raymond D. Rawson, Chairman

Senator Maurice Washington, Vice Chairman

Senator Randolph J. Townsend

Senator Mark Amodei

Senator Bernice Mathews

Senator Michael Schneider

Senator Valerie Wiener

GUEST LEGISLATORS PRESENT:

Senator William J. Raggio, Washoe County Senatorial District No. 3

STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:

Patricia Di Domenico, Committee Secretary

OTHERS PRESENT:

SENATE BILL 104: Revises dates for administration of certain achievement and proficiency examinations in public schools. (BDR S-421)

Senator Rawson introduced Senator William J. Raggio, Washoe County Senatorial District No 3. Senator Raggio stated he was testifying as Chairman of the Legislative Committee on Education for Senate Bill (S.B.) 21 and Senate Bill (S.B.) 58.

SENATE BILL 58: Requires achievement and proficiency examinations to be administered in public schools during spring semester. (BDR 34-973)

Senator Raggio said the Legislature’s involvement in student testing has increased since Senate Bill 482 of the Sixty-ninth Session was passed.

Senator Raggio pointed out that schools are ranked by the results of the Norm Reference Test in Grades 4, 8 and 10. He stated problems such as; budgeting, test security, and delays in implementing tests became apparent. Senator Raggio explained the Testing Advisory Committee was created to address these problems and the following changes resulted. He said page 2, line 18 of S.B. 21 amends an error found in Assembly Bill 523 of the Sixty-ninth Session.

Senator Raggio stated page 2, line 20 of S.B. 21, increases the number of days for test-result notification to parents from 10 to 15. He noted page 2, lines 37 to 40, and page 4 of S.B. 21, clarifies pupils with disabilities may take mandated proficiency exams with accommodations that are not approved by the publisher of the examination. However, their scores shall not be included in the average scores for the school district or state. He explained the average scores for school districts and the state include the scores of pupils tested with no accommodations or pupils with disabilities using approved accommodations. Senator Raggio stressed this would provide uniformity on how exemptions are reported statewide. He pointed out on page 3, lines 26 to 31 (review of tests), the new language allows additional district personnel access to statewide proficiency tests. Senator Raggio stated the language adds "school district superintendents," "curriculum directors" and "test directors" to the list already in place but emphasized the awareness of test security.

Senator Raggio said the next change affects exemptions from accountability tests or students who are not proficient in the English language. He explained the current language created confusion, and the law should allow an exemption from mandated proficiency exams for any pupil whose primary language is not English if that pupil demonstrates a lack of proficiency in the English language. Senator Raggio noted the proposed amendments on page 5 of S.B. 21 would clarify existing provisions concerning the identification of English-language learners who are exempt from testing. He called attention to lines 17 through 20 on page 5, subsection 6, which requires the State Board of Education to prescribe a test to determine a student’s proficiency in English.

Senator Raggio stated the language changes in section 3 and 4, page 6 of S.B.21 make specific references of test-security breaches as grounds for revocation of professional licenses and dismissal from employment. Senator Raggio emphasized the need of such language changes as it relates to test-security breaches that are willful.

Senator Amodei referenced page 2 and asked if the accommodations for the disabled needed to be approved by the state board or if that decision could be made at the school district level.

Jeanne L. Botts, Senior Program Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division, Legislative Council Bureau, responded the intent of Assembly Bill 523 of the Sixty-ninth Session was to make the accommodation of a disabled student more flexible. She indicated disabled students could participate but at a different level based on their Individual Education Plan (IEP). Ms. Botts stated these students would be participating based on federal law but their scores would not be computed in the school’s average.

Senator Washington asked if the state’s language was consistent with federal law. Ms. Botts answered in the affirmative.

Senator Raggio testified on behalf of S.B. 58. He said this bill requires school districts to administer the statewide proficiency exams in the spring for Grades 4, 8 and 10. Senator Raggio explained there are changes on page 7, lines 8 and 24 of S.B.58 to correct a technical error. He said the other changes are reporting dates for the accountability and the truancy-prevention programs.

Senator Raggio testified that in the sixty-ninth session, the Legislature required the State Board of Education to adopt uniform procedures for the administration and scoring of state-mandated tests. He said the State Board of Education voted to require statewide testing in the fall. Senator Raggio said the Legislative Committee on Education heard testimony in favor of both fall and spring testing. He stated educators who favored fall testing testified this allowed time for remediation of students who failed, and "cheating" would be lessened. Senator Raggio said educators who favored spring testing argued the frustration felt by students would be eliminated because they would be tested on material that had been covered and therefore their performance would increase. He noted nationally the testing is done in the fall and this coordinates with the state’s accountability laws.

Senator Raggio explained the Legislative Committee on Education heard testimony exulting both the fall and spring testing. The committee agreed to forward a proposal to this Legislature for additional discussion. He said two school districts submitted written testimony suggesting the committee amend its action and not require school districts to switch to spring testing until the state replaces the current exam. Senator Raggio stressed the importance of uniformity among all school districts.

Senator Mathews questioned the testing of a new school in the fall. Senator Raggio replied the testing is not a punitive measure but to determine students’ level of learning throughout the school district, the state and the nation.

William Hanlon, Member, Nevada State Board of Education, and Nevada State Board for Occupational Education, District 2, referenced Exhibit C explaining this is an example of questions on future proficiency tests that a student must pass to graduate. He acknowledged the questions are not included in the current test. Mr. Hanlon said 50 percent of the students currently fail the proficiency test and that figure would increase if questions like these were rate-included. He stated presently 75 percent of the poorest students are failing and this will increase with the implementation of S.B. 482 of the Sixty-ninth Session next year. Mr. Hanlon suggested the bill be amended to implement and test the new standards in the years 2002 or 2003. He said implementing a new program might present problems for junior- and senior-year students who were anticipating completion of their current program. Mr. Hanlon stressed this is a fairness issue. He recognized the need to implement the new standards but suggested questions of this type are not counted.

Mr. Hanlon stated Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 385.451 forbids the use of disclosing that test information. Mr. Hanlon explained the law was written when the state was using five tests repeatedly over a cycle of years. He said with the new law the test is changed with each new test administration. Mr. Hanlon noted old test questions are published in the Boston Globe and are on the web. He said in the State of Virginia, 97 percent of their schools are not reaching standard and are questioning, "What are the standards?" Mr. Hanlon stressed the need to make the tests public and build credibility.

Senator Amodei asked Mr. Hanlon to address the issue of the use of calculators by special education students during testing. Mr. Hanlon replied one of the skills being measured by the high school proficiency exam is computation; therefore, calculators would not be permitted. Senator Amodei questioned whether this applies to all the student population regardless of their learning disabilities. Mr. Hanlon answered in the affirmative.

Pepper Sturm, Committee Policy Analyst, Research Division, Legislative Council Bureau, noted on page 3 of S.B.104, the delay to years 2002 to 2003 is for examinations and achievement of proficiency administered statewide and is an amendment of S.B. 482 of the Sixty-ninth Session.. He said these particular exams are tied to the standards adopted by the standards council this last interim. According to Mr. Sturm the council voted the exams in question for Grades 3 and 5, and not the high school proficiency exam.

Senator Rawson commented S.B. 104 does not amend chapter 389 of NRS. He said Mr. Hanlon’s concerns were still valid but not covered in S.B. 104

Senator Rawson suspended the hearings temporarily and introduced Richard S. Jarvis, Ph.D, Chancellor, University and Community College System of Nevada (UCCSN), and Jane A. Nichols, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, University and Community College System of Nevada (UCCSN).

Dr. Jarvis presented the Report to the Legislature Planning Report 1999-2003 (Exhibit D. Original is on file in the Research Library.). Dr. Jarvis reviewed the planning process within the system referring to the exhibit. He emphasized the increase in college enrollment, student diversity, and the increase in financial aid to students.

Dr. Nichols referring to page 32 of Exhibit D stated there has been an increase of approximately 6.6 percent in research productivity, grants, and contracts, and stressed this was a low figure. She stated UCCSN is working to increase the rate of growth in research and sponsored projects. Dr. Nichols highlighted meeting the needs of the state on page 33 of Exhibit D. She explained the growth in health care programs and how UCCSN is fulfilling the need across the state. She stated graduates from nursing programs increased 138 percent and medical-related programs 248 percent; but there is concern over the shortages in Clark County of dentists, physicians and other health care personnel. Dr. Nichols stated distance education has served 11,150 people statewide since the last legislative session, which is an increase of 160 percent.

Referring to the Nevada High School Survey (Exhibit E), Dr. Nichols stated 81 percent of junior and senior students in Nevada plan to attend a community college or university within 12 months of graduation but only 38.7 percent actually attend. Dr. Nichols emphasized students questioned about attending college felt the cost was too great. She said 40 percent of students said they had received no information on scholarships or financial aid and 63 percent said they received no information on loans. Senator Washington expressed concern about students not receiving this pertinent information. Dr. Nichols replied there is not sufficient financial assistance in the State of Nevada to help students who want to go to college. She explained part of the problem is not informing parents and students about available financial assistance, which is the responsibility of the high schools and colleges. Senator Washington called attention to students gifted athletically, in the arts, or humanitarians, as students who receive scholarships and students that are academic achievers fall between the cracks. Dr. Nichols noted because funds are limited they are generally targeted to particular talents or low-income students.

Dr. Nichols said 43 percent of students anticipating college have a grade point average of less than 2.5. She pointed out 73 percent of students believe a college education is necessary to get a good job. Dr. Nichols emphasized 61 percent of students said they made the decision to attend college in the eighth grade or earlier. She noted 35 percent of students planned to work 20 hours or more. Dr. Nichols stressed the need for financial help, strong academic preparation, and starting college courses early for high school students.

Dr. Jarvis stated page 1 of Exhibit F, Access and Growth, represented the number of people in the population who are enrolled in college. He pointed out Nevada has an average of 43 individuals per 1000 compared to a western average of 50. Dr. Jarvis said the Board of Regents is presently studying future enrollment. He said page 2 presents two scenarios: continuing to enroll students at the present rate; or bring the level of enrollment to the present rate of northern Nevada.

Dr. Jarvis stated, on page 3, Nevada had the lowest percentage rate of high school students continuing to college in 1996. He highlighted three goals of the University System. First, to increase the College Continuation Rate for Nevada High School Graduates 38.7 percent to at least 60 percent by 2010. Secondly, for Nevada K-12 to improve High School Graduation Rates by 5 percent by 2010. Third, for UCCSN to improve retention of high school graduates from 64 percent to 70 percent of those who enter college by 2010.

Dr. Jarvis emphasized accomplishing those goals would provide a 300 percent increase in the number of public high school graduates in the State of Nevada who would attend an in-state public college. He said Nevada ranked last in the western states, with 10.1 percent of the population 25 or older who hold a bachelor’s degrees.

Dr. Jarvis stressed the need to make the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) research institutions. He stated page 9 of Exhibit F shows our population will diversify more rapidly than any other western state, increasing our minority proportionality 722 percent by the year 2012. Dr. Jarvis remarked to accommodate the growth and numbers presented in this report we must expand existing campuses; maximize space and time utilization; add branch campuses; maximize cost-effective applications of technology; add high-tech centers and additional campuses; develop multi- institutional campuses; and add a new state college.

Chairman Rawson suggested a summary of the Planning Report be presented along with their budget to the Senate Committee on Finance. Senator Amodei requested Dr. Jarvis include in his summery to the Senate Committee on Finance information relevant to the three technical centers. He said there is a significant difference in the amount of classrooms between the centers. Senator Amodei noted square footage is being utilized for delicatessens and other noneducational purposes. Dr. Jarvis answered in the affirmative.

Senator Wiener requested the committee be provided additional information on the distance learning component. Dr. Jarvis answered in the affirmative.

Senator Washington referred to page 33 of the Planning Report (Exhibit D). He questioned how they arrived at the increase of total graduates from UCCSN teacher education program of 181 percent over the last 10 years and a minority graduate increase of 297 percent. Senator Washington asked if the university system helps teachers explain the benefits of college to students at an early age. Dr. Nichols replied she did not have the information on minority numbers at hand but would provide it to him. She stressed the figures are too low. Dr. Nichols explained there is a major effort to recruit minorities. Dr. Nichols replied the survey shows there is a correlation between parents talking to their children about their schoolwork and their desire to attend college. Senator Washington stressed the importance of teacher and parent involvement.

Senator Schneider referenced page 2 of the Access and Growth Report (Exhibit F). He questioned why the northern enrollment did not change. Dr. Jarvis responded the figures are based on facts that are known. He explained the current enrollment rate for institutions in the northern part of the state is 55 per 1000 students, and that is applied to the projected growth rate for southern Nevada which produces a 61 per 1000 growth figure. Senator Schneider surmised every resource for development should be in the south based on the north-and-south comparison growth rate. He asked about obtaining land and long-range goals. Dr. Jarvis replied the university system’s goals are to accommodate the number of students by providing the current kinds of facilities, utilization of space and time, technology, and new partnerships. He said obtaining land would be a significant part of the plan.

Chairman Rawson commented all resources would not be going to the south. He said in the year 2010 there would be 9000 new students in northern Nevada, which is twice the current enrollment at UNR, and the need for resources in southern Nevada will double.

Senator Mathews concurred. She stated because of the difference in growth rate between northern and southern Nevada all resources should not go to the south.

Chairman Rawson opened the work session on Senate bills and introduced Pepper Sturm, Committee Policy Analyst, Research Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau. Chairman Rawson introduced Senate Bill (S.B.) 9.

SENATE BILL 9: Requires school districts to pay costs for teachers to purchase retirement credits under certain circumstances. (BDR 34-252)

Mr. Sturm stated Senate Bill 9 has two proposed amendments. He noted the first amendment, on S.B. 9, page 3, as outlined in "Work Session" (Exhibit G.) make the provisions mandatory for schools with inadequate achievement and make the provisions permissive for schools classified as at-risk. He said it would narrow the number of schools where teachers would receive extra credit. Mr. Sturm mentioned there was a request made to revise the fiscal note if the amendment is accepted. He stated Clark County School District (CCSD) proposed making the bill permissive, by changing "shall" to "may."

Chairman Rawson reiterated the need for these changes.

Mr. Sturm stated a technical amendment was omitted from the work session document. Referring to page 2 of S.B. 9, lines 15 through 19, subsection 4 of section 1, he said the entire subsection should be deleted.

Chairman Rawson asked if there was any discussion. Senator Wiener asked if the issue over subsection 4 had been reconciled. Chairman Rawson asked for clarification.

Debbie Cahill, Lobbyist, Director, Government Relations, Nevada State Education Association, opined the entire bill should be permissive and not mandatory for schools. She insisted there was a need to clarify the intent of the language as to whether it applied to new hires only or if exiting teachers would qualify. Chairman Rawson replied his interpretation was that it would include "all teachers."

Senator Washington explained it would be mandatory in schools that are considered inadequate achievers, and permissive for at-risk schools, which may necessitate a revision to the fiscal note. Chairman Rawson asked if Senator Washington was addressing the technical amendment in his motion. Senator Washington replied negatively.

SENATOR SCHNEIDER SECONDED THE MOTION.

Chairman Rawson then called for a vote on Senator Washington’s amended motion.

*****

Chairman Rawson opened the work session on Senate Bill 50.

Mr. Sturm drew the committee’s attention to attachment B, page 4 of the work session document, which is a request from the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) to ensure the 1-year credit authorized by S.B. 50 is a part of the 5-year maximum currently in law. He noted the change of "licensed teacher" to "employee" on page 2, line 7, and page 3, line 28.

Chairman Rawson indicated the change from "licensed teacher" to "employee" will have a heavy fiscal note.

SENATOR TOWNSEND SECONDED THE MOTION.

THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

*****

Chairman Rawson opened the work session on Senate Bill 51.

SENATE BILL 51: Requires school districts to give teachers credit for out-of- state teaching in determining salaries. (BDR 34-251)

Mr. Sturm drew attention to page 5, attachment C of the work session document, explaining Larry Spitler, Lobbyist, Clark County School District (CCSD), suggested making S.B. 51 permissive. Mr. Sturm said the deletion of the new language in bold letters beginning on page 1, line 7, and ending on line 10; and changing "shall" to "may" on page 2, line 4 would accomplish that request. Mr. Sturm said the next change would delete references to the commission approving out-of-state programs, beginning on page 2, line 5, after the word "state" and continuing through line 11, page 2, as well as the deletion of sections 2, 3, and 4.

Chairman Rawson asked the committee if they approved the first two amendments. The committee responded affirmatively.

*****

Senator Mathews asked if the third and fourth amendments were excluded. Chairman Rawson confirmed that they were excluded.

Chairman Rawson opened the work session on Senate Bill 22.

Mr. Sturm addressed the amendments on page 6, Attachment D of Exhibit G. He pointed out there was a request for flexibility with the times specified in section 9, subsection 7 of the bill (page 6). The proposed change is: "the Department of Education may adopt regulations specifying the number of class periods that would approximate the time periods specified in section 9, subsection 7."

Mr. Sturm stated Mr. Spitler (CCSD) and others expressed the need to clarify the intent of the "grandfather" clause. He indicated the legal department advised it may be prudent to add such a clause in the transitory sections of the bill.

Mr. Sturm stated the next change proposed by Mr. Spitler included a provision in the bill stating the Commission on Professional Standards in Education shall adopt regulations to allow experience as a school counselor or school librarian to be acceptable for those applying for a license as a school administrator.

Mr. Sturm said the next amendments were proposed by Henry Etchemendy, Lobbyist, Executive Director, Nevada Association of School Boards, as follows: page 2, delete lines 13 and 14; delete "satisfactory to the commission" on line 20; delete "satisfaction to the commission" on lines 40 and 41; page 6, line 12 delete "February" and replace with "March;" and on page 7, line 11 delete "February" and replace with "March."

Mr. Sturm explained the first three changes clarify that the licensing and review functions are carried out by the department, not the commission; the last two proposed changes would change the date teachers are notified that they will not be reemployed. Chairman Rawson voiced concern in changing the standard of notifying teachers of their reemployment.

Chairman Rawson clarified the motion made by Senator Mathews; delete the first bullet and the deletion on page 6 and page 7.

SENATOR MATHEWS MOVED TO AMEND AND DO PASS S.B. 22.

SENATOR SCHNEIDER SECONDED THE MOTION

THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

*****

Chairman Rawson opened the work session on Senate Bill 59.

Mr. Sturm, referring to Exhibit G, said Keith Rheault, Ph.D., Deputy Superintendent for Instructional, Research and Evaluative Services, State Board of Education, and others, recommended staggering the replacements over the current 3-year appointment cycle. He noted their concern is to ensure a balance of teachers and administrators on the commission. Their recommendations are: the Governor’s appointments would be; two teachers, one representative of UCCSN Colleges of Education, and two administrators or counselors (at least one administrator). The Legislature would have: Senate majority leader; one teacher and one business representative or parent; and the Assembly speaker; one teacher and one business representative or parent.

Chairman Rawson said it would be appropriate to have five teachers on the committee. Chairman Rawson recommended one administrator or counselor and three teachers under the Governor’s appointments. He said to include verbiage that five members of the commission would be teachers. Senator Schneider asked, "Why are we doing this?" Chairman Rawson responded the interim committee supported the idea of expanded influence on the committee. He stated we have a responsibility and should be part of the process.

Senator Washington pointed out the Governor’s appointments could be a certified teacher as well as an administrator or counselor. Chairman Rawson suggested the appointments on the committee be spelled out. Senator Mathews concurred. Senator Washington opposed the change.

Chairman Rawson opened the work session on Senate Concurrent Resolution 2.

Mr. Sturm stated Mr. Jillings of the American Independent Party proposed applying this measure to all licenses, not just the initial license; however, teachers seeking relicensure or endorsements are not currently required to take the competency test referenced in this resolution.

*****

Chairman Rawson opened the work session on Senate Bill 49.

SENATE BILL 49 : Revises provisions regarding council to establish academic standards for public schools. (BDR 5-863)

Mr. Sturm stated the amendments to S.B. 49 were suggested by Keith Rheault, Ph.D., Deputy Superintendent for Instruction, Research and Evaluative Services, State Department of Education. Mr. Sturm explained one modification would change September 1, 1999 to January 15, 2000 for the Council to Establish Academic Standards to adopt the second-phase standards, and modify January 1, 2000 to February 28, 2000 for the State Board of Education’s approval. Mr. Sturm added there was a proposed amendment by Kristine K. Jensen, Lobbyist, Concerned Citizens. Referring to the last page of S.B. 49, he said Ms. Jensen’s request was to change "includes" to "is defined as."

Chairman Rawson asked if the word "includes" came from the interim committee. Mr. Sturm recalled that the work session document uses the word "defined." Senator Washington confirmed the committee’s discussion on the word "defined."

SENATOR WASHINGTON MOVED TO AMEND AND DO PASS S.B. 49.

SENATOR WIENER SECONDED THE MOTION.

THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

*****

Chairman Rawson closed the work session and introduced Ann Loring, Lobbyist, Nevada Association of School Boards, Washoe County School District. Ms. Loring read from prepared text (Exhibit H) emphasizing the benefits of spring TerraNova testing. She outlined the benefits as: student weaknesses are more evident at the end of the school year; true accountability and improved instruction; credible results can be seen by students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the public; and taxpayer funds are used more effectively.

At the request of Ms. Loring the following correspondence (Exhibit I) is included in the minutes: a letter, page 1 explaining the Washoe County School District Board of Trustees unanimously voted to support S.B. 58; and on page 2 and 3, two tables that use student test scores for school accountability purposes.

Chairman Rawson addressed the committee. He said the Nevada Alliance for Defense is requesting a bill draft for a matching grant. They currently receive $200,000 from the United States Department of Energy.

SENATOR WASHINGTON MOVED TO HAVE A COMMITTEE REQUEST FOR A BILL DRAFT TO REQUEST A MATCHING GRANT FOR NEVADA

ALLIANCE FOR DEFENSE.

SENATOR AMODEI SECONDED THE MOTION.

THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

*****

Chairman Rawson turned the Senate Committee of Human Resources and Facilities meeting over to Senator Washington.

Vice Chairman Washington invited testimony on Senate Bill 21, Senate Bill 58, and Senate Bill 104.

SENATE BILL 104: Revises dates for administration of certain achievement and proficiency examinations in public schools. (BDR S-421)

Cheryl A. Detrick, Lobbyist, Advocates for Education, gave testimony in favor of S.B. 58, explaining the TerraNova fall test is prematurely testing students on material which has not been taught. She noted the material covered in the fall testing of Grades 4, 8, and 10 should be from the previous year.

Ms. Detrick read a letter (Exhibit J) on behalf of Kelly M. Broadhead, a concerned parent, in support of S.B. 58.

Patricia Boyd, Associate Superintendent, Lyon County School District, voiced concern for changing to a spring TerraNova testing until a new test is selected.

Claudia Fadness, Program Coordinator, Lyon County School District, stated eleventh grade students have five opportunities to pass the high school proficiency test before graduation. She voiced concern that with the proposed change to spring testing, students would not have that opportunity. Ms. Fadness stressed the fall testing grants teachers two full terms for student remediation.

Janice Flory, Ph.D., Coordinator of Assessments, Grants, and Projects, Douglas County School District, stated she was all in favor of keeping the fall TerraNova testing.

Dorothy Todd, Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Carson City School District, provided a letter (Exhibit K) listing the Carson City School District’s concerns with S.B. 58. She declared the Carson City School District wants to go on record as supporting the fall testing for the TerraNova and the proficiency testing.

Keith Rheault, Ph.D., Deputy Superintendent for Instructional, Research and Evaluative Services, State Department of Education, provided written testimony (Exhibit L); supporting information, Guidelines for the Conduct of the Nevada Proficiency Examination Program (Exhibit M. Original is on file in the Research Library.); and Test Security Procedures For Nevada Proficiency Examinations (Exhibit N. Original is on file in the Research Library.) for S.B. 21. He stated the State Department of Education is in support of S.B. 21. Dr. Rheault explained there is a compilation (Exhibit O), by the State Board of Education, of pros and cons of S.B. 58. Dr. Rheault provided written information (Exhibit P), and stated the State Department of Education is in support of S.B. 104.

Judith S. Costa, Director, Testing and Evaluation, Clark County School District, provided written testimony (Exhibit Q) in support of S.B. 21, and S.B.104 (Exhibit R) and sustaining their position on S.B. 58 (Exhibit S. Original is on file in the Research Library.)

Kristine K. Jensen, Lobbyist, Chairman, Nevada Concerned Citizens, stated as a concerned parent she supports fall testing. She called attention to her written testimony (Exhibit T) explaining the request for an amendment to S.B. 21.

Chairman Rawson adjourned the meeting at 4:52 p.m.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

Patricia Di Domenico,

Committee Secretary

APPROVED BY:

Senator Raymond D. Rawson, Chairman

DATE: