45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

REQUESTING THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION TO EXTEND A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT NETWORK OF NEW MEXICO ENGLISH SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF IMPROVING THEIR STUDENTS' READING, LITERACY AND TECHNOLOGY SKILLS.

WHEREAS, the professional development of teachers is critical to the future success of students being prepared for a rapidly expanding information society; and

WHEREAS, there is a need for teachers to continually update their skills in the language arts area and for teachers to use digital tools effectively; and

WHEREAS, the state board of education, the commission on higher education and the house of representatives recognize the need for a focused, unified effort to improve the supply of high-quality teachers for New Mexico's schools; and

WHEREAS, the state department of public education coordinates the statewide professional development initiative to improve the abilities of teachers and administrators to teach reading and literacy more effectively; and

WHEREAS, professional development that builds the capacity of teachers to translate current theory into practice has the potential to powerfully influence the learning environment and to achieve the vision of contemporary school reformers; and

WHEREAS, preparing literate students to intelligently interact with available information requires that school personnel are information and computer literate themselves, and, to accomplish this, teachers must have access to high-quality professional development opportunities that are sustained over time;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state department of public education be requested to extend a professional development network of New Mexico English secondary school teachers for the purpose of improving their students' reading, literacy and technology skills; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the state department of public education.