Lawmakers propose more teacher training, higher pay

Thursday, June 25, 1998 | 11:03 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A legislative committee trying to raise the achievement levels of Nevada's public school students is calling for more training for teachers and rewards for those who stay in at-risk schools.

The committee, headed by Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, adopted a series of recommendations to be presented to the 1999 Legislature. Among the recommendations is that funds be allocated to set up four regional centers in Clark, Douglas, Elko and Washoe counties to train teachers the state's more rigorous curriculum.

Instead of the money going to the state Board of Education, it would go straight to the districts that would create and equip the regional centers to train all teachers in Nevada.

The recommendation suggests that teachers receive instruction in measuring pupil achievement and interpreting test scores. They also would be trained in teaching basic skills, such as reading instruction using phonics and basic mathematic computation skills.

School districts would be required to provide a 5 percent pay increase for teachers who gain and maintain a national certificate. The committee agreed that teachers who stay in at-risk schools for five years would get credited with an extra year toward retirement. There also would be a pension benefit for those who teach in high-demand areas, such as math or science.

The extra benefits would be uniform statewide and not subject to contract negotiations between local school districts and teachers.

While the committee wants more training and better pay for teachers, it also wants them more closely evaluated. The probationary period for a teacher would be three years, instead of the current one to two years. Those who evaluate teachers on probation would have to spend at least 180 minutes with the teacher in the classroom.

The committee also asked the school districts to end the practice of "social promotions."

Raggio said it's a great disservice to a student to allow him to progress to the next grade level without receiving passing grades or mastering basic skills such as reading.

Bill Hanlon, a member of the state Board of Education from Las Vegas, agreed he didn't like social promotion but added there must be an alternative to keeping the student in the same grade. He suggested there be a separate school specializing in remediation programs.

Dave Cook, another board member, suggested the state pay for a full-time summer school for those who are falling behind. "This provides another alternative," Cook said. "It's the best money you ever spent."

But Raggio balked at the summer school idea. "Why should the state carry the burden for school districts that are not preparing students adequately?" he asked.