The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) is a constitutional agency approved by Nebraska voters. The Department operates under the authority of an elected board of education. NDE is organized into teams that interact to operate the agency and carry out the duties assigned by state and federal statutes and the policy directions of the State Board of Education. The teams are organized around distinct functions and responsibilities that encompass leadership and support for Nebraska's system of early childhood, primary, secondary and postsecondary education; direct services to clients; and internal support to the agency.

The department carries out its duties on behalf of Nebraska students in public, private, and nonpublic school systems. The staff of the department interacts with schools and institutions of higher education to develop, coordinate and improve educational programs.

The following is a series of three articles written especially for NCSA Today by the Commissioner to address "schools for our future." The first article describes the kind of schools we need but do not have. The second article addresses why we need to make changes in Nebraska schools and why we need top quality schools. Finally, the third article sets forth models and strategies for making the changes needed. The kind of schools we need (but do not have) is discussed first so subsequent articles about why we need to change and how we make the necessary changes will be in reference to where we need to go.

SCHOOLS FOR OUR FUTURE

SCHOOLS FOR OUR FUTURE
PART TWO: WHY DO WE NEED THEM?

SCHOOLS FOR OUR FUTURE
PART THREE: HOW DO WE GET THEM?

Commissioner Emeritus

Douglas D. Christensen 1994 - 2008

Commissioner's Office 402-471-5020

Welcome to the Nebraska Department of Education

Douglas D. Christensen
1994 - 2008

Commissioner's Office
402-471-5020