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To test out of high school class, one standard

Sat, Nov 29, 2008 (2 a.m.)

CARSON CITY — State Education Department officials are preparing to set the bar at 70 percent for high school students who test to earn credits.

Nevada’s school districts currently have differing requirements — ranging from 70 percent to 85 percent — for students to earn credits by passing tests.

The 2007 Legislature directed the department to establish a uniform policy statewide.

The Board of Education will get its first look at a proposed regulation at its meeting on Thursday and Friday.

Under the new policy, school districts would still develop and grade tests, but a passing grade of 70 percent would be uniform statewide.

Richard Vineyard, the Education Department’s assistant director of assessment, program accountability and curriculum, said the exams are “fairly difficult.” Students need enough knowledge to forgo a full course of instruction and pass and receive credit.

Clark and Washoe counties offer the most opportunities for students to earn credits by taking exams, including in algebra, foreign languages and science.

The Board of Education will hold a public hearing in January before voting on the proposed rule, Vineyard said.