NAC389.657. Alternative method to demonstrate proficiency in writing.

     1. A pupil who is currently enrolled in the 12th grade and who satisfies the requirements of paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of NRS 389.805 may demonstrate proficiency in writing by submitting to the Department of Education three separate writing samples.

     2. The writing samples submitted pursuant to subsection 1 must:

     (a) Demonstrate an understanding of the writing process and the application of writing skills, including, without limitation, organization, voice, conventions, development of ideas and style, as prescribed in the academic standards for English language arts in the area of writing.

     (b) Include:

          (1) One expository essay;

          (2) One persuasive essay; and

          (3) One other writing sample which demonstrates proficiency, including, without limitation:

               (I) A research paper;

               (II) A technical writing; or

               (III) A single selection from a senior project or a portfolio of the pupil’s work.

Ê At least one of the writing samples submitted pursuant to this subsection must be written in a monitored setting.

     3. The Department of Education shall prescribe the dates by which the writing samples must be submitted to ensure that a pupil is granted the opportunity to satisfy the requirements of this section before graduation from high school. A pupil shall submit the writing samples and the certification required by subsection 4 to the appropriate testing department of the school district on or before the dates specified by the Department of Education. The testing department shall forward each packet to the Department of Education for scoring.

     4. A teacher at the school in which the pupil is enrolled and the principal of that school shall certify that the writing samples submitted by the pupil are the pupil’s own work.

     5. Submissions that do not meet the requirements of this section will be classified as “Insufficient” and will not be scored.

     6. The Department of Education shall, in collaboration with licensed educational personnel, develop guidelines for evaluating writing samples submitted by pupils pursuant to this section. The guidelines must require a pupil to meet or exceed the academic standards for English language arts in the area of writing.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Education by R155-07, 1-30-2008; A by R037-09, 10-27-2009; R083-12, 11-1-2012)