Nevada

  1. Certification Requirements
  2. Course Requirements
  3. K-12 Enrollment
  4. Science Standards
  5. Testing and Assessment
  6. Textbook Adoptions
  7. State Contact Person

1. Certification Requirements

A. Grades 9-12

  1. Total number of 9-12 teachers with main assignment in science (2004): 699
  2. Total number of science teachers in grades 9-12 with an Earth science assignment (2004): 119
  3. Percentage of 9-12 science teachers with an Earth science certification (2004): 99%
  4. Specific licensure requirements for secondary teachers (2006-2007): Major in the subject area taught. Earth science or general science can teach Earth science majors

B. Grades 6-8

  1. Total number of teachers in grades 7-8 with a main assignment in science (2004): 380
  2. Total number of grades 7-8 science teachers in all assignments (2004): 391
  3. Percentage of middle grade science teachers certified in science (2004): 63%
  4. Specific licensure requirements for middle school teachers (2006-2007): Major in the subject area taught. K-8 credential to teach Earth science only.

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2. Course Requirements: 2006-2007 School Year

A. Grades 9-12

  1. Number of science credits required for high school graduation: 2-3
  2. Required science courses: Districts decide
  3. Is an Earth science course included in the recommended high school science curriculum? Determined at the district level.
  4. Is Earth science part of another course required for high school graduation? Yes.
  5. If Earth science is taken, does it count towards graduation requirements?  Yes.
  6. Is an Environmental science course included in the recommended high school science curriculum? Yes
  7. Is Environmental science part of another course required for high school graduation? No.
  8.  If Environmental science is taken, does it count towards graduation requirements?   Yes. 

B. Grades 6-8

  1. Is Earth Science part of the middle school science curriculum (grades 6-8)?  Yes.
  2. Is it taught as a full year curriculum or an integrated curriculum?  Both. 
  3. At what grade level(s) is Earth science taught? 6th-8th.

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3. K-12 Enrollment

A. Student Enrollment: 2004-2005 School Year


Grades

K-12

K-5

6-8

9-12

Students

397,099

188,195

97,140

111,314

B. Percent of Grade 9 students enrolled in selected courses: 2003-2004 School Year


Course

Earth science

Chemistry

Biology

Physics

Percent

33%

75%

95%

18%

C. Enrollment trends in Grade 9 Earth science: 1996-2004


Year

Percent

Students

1996-97

Not Available

Not Available

1997-98

13%

2,865

1999-00

44%

10,832

2003-04

33%

Not Available

D. Students in grades 7-8 enrolled in selected science courses: 1999-2000 vs. 2003-2004 School Years

 

1999-2000

2003-2004

Course

Students
(Percentage)

Students
(Percentage)

Earth Science

6,885
(14%)

Not Available
(66%)

General Science

4,426
(9%)

Not Available
(15%)

Physical Science

17,213
(35%)

Not Available
(42%)

Life Science

4,918
(10%)

Not Available
(11%)

Integrated or Coordinated Science

1,967
(4%)

Not Available
(0.3%)

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4. Science Standards: 2006-2007 School Year

The National Science Education Standards outline the concepts and principles that students should understand about Earth and space science. At the middle school level, the standards are divided into three areas: Structure of the Earth System, Earth’s History, and Earth in the Solar System. At the high school level, the standards are divided into four areas: Energy in the Earth System, Geochemical Cycles, Origin and Evolution of the Earth System, and Origin and Evolution of the Universe. For the AGI Report, the Earth science standards for each state were reviewed to determine whether they incorporate the concepts and principles outlined in the National Science Education Standards.

A. Do the state standards for grades 9-12 contain principles and concepts related to:

Energy in the Earth system? Yes

Origin and evolution of the Earth system? Yes

Geochemical cycles? Yes

Origin and evolution of the universe? Yes

B. Do the state standards for grades 9-12 include environmental science concepts?
Yes.  In the Life Science Standards: Emphasis includes ecosystems and natural resources conservation.

C. Do the state standards for grades 5-8 contain principles and concepts related to:

Structure of the Earth system? Yes

Earth in the Solar System? Yes

Earth’s history?  Yes

 

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5. Testing and Assessment

A. State Science Tests: 2006-2007 School Year


Test

Grade Levels Tested:

Earth Science Component on the Test?

Norm-Referenced Testing

4, 7, and 10

Yes

Criterion-Referenced Testing

4 and 8

Yes

None:

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

B. State High School Exit Exam: 2006-2007 School Year

  1. Name of Exam:  Nevada High School Proficiency Examination
  2. Type of Test: Standards based
  3. Does the exam have a science component? Yes.
  4. At what grade do students first take the exam? 10
  5. Is passing the exam a requirement for a diploma? Yes.
  6. Does the exam have an Earth science component? Yes. Earth/Space/Environmental science is 25% of the science portion of the test.

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6. Textbook Adoptions: 2003-2004 School Year

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State Contact Person

Richard Vineyard

Science Consultant

Nevada Department of Education
700 E. Fifth St
Carson City, NV 89701-5096

rvineyar@nsn.k12nv.us
775-687-9195

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