February 9, 2026
Sen. Dave Murman, Chairperson
Sen. Jana Hughes, Vice Chairperson
Sen. Danielle Conrad
Sen. Megan Hunt
Sen. Margo Juarez
Sen. Dan Lonowski
Sen. Glen Meyer
Sen. Rita Sanders
Chairman Murman and of the Education Committee:
The Lincoln Public Schools must take the stance of opponent on LB 1112. While we support the concept of attempting to be more similar than different in the area of grading and assessment, we believe that this is best handled at the local/school level and not a one size fits all model.
We have identified a few issues that we see would make this effort an example of over-reach:
- A single, state-mandated grading system/model risk prioritizing compliance over learning and reducing teachers’ ability to adapt practices for their students. Preserving local control allows districts to uphold high standards while still honoring the unique contexts of their schools, teachers, and learners.
- While consistency is important, a statewide grading system limits the local flexibility schools need to serve students effectively. Districts differ greatly in their communities, instructional approaches, and student needs, and those differences matter when it comes to grading. We believe that NDE Rule 10 is intentionally ambiguous for that very reason. Teachers rely on professional judgment to provide meaningful, responsive feedback, and that work is best when it is handled at a local level.
- LPS is currently working on this effort with our secondary schools. Measuring learning and performance across all content and curricular areas is not an easy task and not something that has easy agreement. In general, learning is about a destination then finding out where the students are presently and charting a course of action to get them to the destination. That can look different with every class, every year. Providing feedback for learning in many ways is more of an art than it is black and white system that every teacher and student can follow.
- NDE has set the standard of what needs to be offered and what is required for graduation (i.e., credits). Every Nebraska school sets their own graduation requirements that can exceed (most if not all do) the state requirements. This is an example of what makes local control work. Minimum standards exist, local governance can choose to meet local needs in whatever way they may prioritize.
- NDE and schools have worked very hard to define essential learnings and standards and have worked together with teachers to write curriculum and learning outcomes that can be measured. We have statewide testing to measure those state priority standards. We would promote keeping the focus on learning and assessment that measures current progress and promotes ongoing learning.
Sincerely,
Brad Jacobsen
Associate Superintendent of Civic Engagement
Lincoln Public Schools
