April 18, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Suzanne Ernst (702) 889-8426

Regents and State Board of Education Enter Into New Five-Year Collaborative Agreement

LAS VEGAS, Nevada-The Board of Regents voted today to enter into a new five-year collaborative agreement with the Nevada State Board of Education.

The Board of Regents and the State Board of Education entered into an initial five-year collaborative agreement in 1997 that resulted in considerable cooperation and progress on behalf of P - 16 education. At the January joint meeting of both Boards, both sides expressed interest in entering into another collaborative agreement since the initial one had expired. In addition, both sides agreed much still could be done to help students succeed and persist in school.

"Given the success of our previous collaborative agreement, we wanted to continue our efforts on behalf of all students, at all levels, and from all backgrounds," said Board Chair Thalia Dondero. "We are in the business of educating our students, and we believe renewing our commitment with the State Board of Education will assist us in this goal of ensuring a seamless system of education from pre-school to the doctorate level."

The agreement calls for a series of specific action items designed to guarantee students' academic success, including the development of a state P - 16 council; efforts to share and use data for common educational purposes; a major initiative in teacher professional development; focused, mutual efforts to communicate expectations and standards to students and parents; and a strong emphasis on eliciting the input of the business community.

"It is apparent that given the phenomenal growth our state is experiencing, it is imperative that all levels of education work together towards a common end," Chair Dondero said. "We are truly excited by the possibilities that this partnership will provide."

The Nevada Board of Regents is the elected, 11-member governing body for the University and Community College System of Nevada. Comprising two doctoral granting universities, a state college, four comprehensive community colleges and one internationally acclaimed research institute, the UCCSN serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to nearly 100,000 students.

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