The Nevada legislature passed major education reform legislation during its 1997 and 1999 sessions. A major emphasis of this legislation was to create standards to help improve the academic achievement of Nevada's students.

To accomplish this goal the Nevada Council to Establish Academic Standards for Public Schools was established. This Council was charged with establishing high, measurable standards in English language arts, mathematics, and science. They were similarly charged with establishing standards in social studies, computer and technology education, health and physical education, and the arts.

The Carson City School District has worked to incorporate the State Standards into grade level Curriculum Maps for each subject area.  Teachers utilize these maps to guide their instruction throughout the curriculum.