NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.



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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T





SPONSOR: Picraux DATE TYPED: 03/14/01 HB 47/HAFC
SHORT TITLE: Beginning Teacher Mentorship SB
ANALYST: Segura


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
 Recurring

or Non-Rec

 Fund

Affected

FY01 FY02 FY01 FY02

NFI



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



Relates HB81, HB39, HB25, and HB125



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



State Department of Education (SDE)

New Mexico Commission of Higher Education (CHE)



SUMMARY



     Synopsis of HAFC Amendment



The House Appropriations and Finance Committee amendment strikes the appropriation but does not change the original intent of the legislation.



Synopsis of Original Bill



House Bill 47 appropriates $3,550.0 for statewide mandatory mentorship programs for beginning teachers.



Significant Issues



House Bill 47 provides $3,550.0 for mentorships for 1st,2nd and 3rd year teachers. The funds will be distributed to school districts by the department of education depending upon the number of persons in the program. It would be expected that all 1st year teachers be participants in the mentorship program and that the department of education, in collaboration with districts, determine the need for persons in their 2nd and 3rd year to continue in the program. Some teachers will likely need a longer period of structured support than others. Priority should be placed on those schools that have the highest need and that employ teachers who seek licensure through alternative routes.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



House Bill 47 appropriates $3,550.0 from the general fund and would be recurring. The Public School Support recommendations by the Legislative Finance Committee, Legislative Education Study Committee, State Board of Education and the Executive includes funding for the program. The appropriation would be included in the final Education Appropriation Bill.



ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS



There will be minimal administrative impact on the department of education.



CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP



Relates to HB39, 25, 142 and 81.



OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES



According to SDE, during the 2000 legislative session, $500.0 was appropriated to the department of education in special projects to fund beginning teacher mentoring programs. Through a competitive process, those funds have been used to assist approximately 12 school districts in the development of mentoring programs. With limited funds available, several of the districts elected to offer programs for alternative licensure candidates only.



RS/ar/njw