Official Position Statement Regarding High School Proficiency Exams in Nevada

“Many institutions of higher learning adjust the cut core requirements regarding college entrance exams to reflect success in school based on grade point average. This allows for students who may not be adept at high stakes test-taking to be recognized for their skills by acknowledging their ability to successfully complete classroom assignments and obtain exceptional grades. Allowing for diversity will not only reward those who do well on proficiency exams, but also provide recognition to those who have performed exceptionally well in the classroom. In other words, everybody wins. We propose that a criteria be developed that would allow students with higher GPA’s to pass proficiency exams with a lower score since they have already demonstrated competence during four years of high school. By doing this we will bring educational equity to those who deserve it.”

There will be a committee reviewing the high school proficiency examination process during the interim between legislative sessions. We will be looking at the “Multiple Measures Approach” as well as other models for determining high school proficiency employed in other states. Your input is valuable. If you have any ideas or are aware of successful models let us know.