Nevada's assessment program needs many major improvements, primarily shifting from multiple-choice to predominantly performance assessments and eliminating the high school exit exam requirement. The state has a rather light assessment burden, testing only a few subjects in three grades.
Professional development needs substantial strengthening.
Public reporting appears adequate, but a survey should be done to confirm this. The review process needs improvement. In particular, the state should evaluate the impact of assessment on curriculum, instruction and graduation, and should study the ability of the assessments to measure critical thinking and cognitively complex work. Assessment supports important student learning. Nevada has state standards in reading, math, writing, science and social studies.