SENATE BILL 116

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025

INTRODUCED BY

Craig W. Brandt and Yanira Gurrola

 

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS; CREATING A MATH LAB PILOT PROJECT; PROVIDING FOR AWARDS TO PARTICIPATING SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR PARTICIPATING PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO ESTABLISH AND CONDUCT MATH LABS TO IMPROVE MATH PROFICIENCY; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. A new section of the Public School Code is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] MATH LAB PILOT PROJECT CREATED.--

          A. As used in this section:

                (1) "math lab pilot project" means a school-based program designed to provide students with support and practice in mathematics with a focus on hands-on activities and project-based learning;

                (2) "math lab" means a dedicated learning environment designed to improve student math skills; and

                (3) "school district" includes state- and locally chartered charter schools.

          B. The "math lab pilot project" is created as a three-year pilot project to demonstrate that students' participation in math labs improves student outcomes in kindergarten through sixth grade mathematics and raises the participating public school's mathematics scores on standards-based assessments. Participating public schools shall test students before, during and after the pilot project and follow those students through the remainder of the students' time in public school. The data collected during the pilot project and over time shall be evaluated biennially to help the department and the school districts determine the efficacy of math labs in student success and allow the incorporation of methods and strategies learned from the pilot project into the overall teaching of mathematics.

          C. The department shall administer the math lab pilot project. Within the limits of appropriation, any school district is eligible to participate.

          D. The math lab pilot project requires participating school districts to:

                (1) establish a math lab in a participating public school that shall be staffed by at least one teacher who is knowledgeable about the academic content and performance standards for elementary mathematics;

                (2) focus on small group instruction, interactive learning and collaborative learning activities specific to mathematics instruction and aligned with grade-specific academic content and performance standards; and

                (3) provide professional development opportunities for teachers who staff math labs.

          E. Each school district may decide annually whether to participate in the math lab pilot project.

          F. Interested school districts shall apply to the department. The department shall develop criteria for applications, public school participation and disbursement of grant awards; oversee the implementation of the pilot project; and provide technical assistance to participating public schools through the mathematics and science bureau of the department and the mathematics and science advisory council.

          G. Each annual grant award shall be a minimum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for each participating public school.

          H. The department shall provide, at least annually, notice to each school district that is not participating in the math lab pilot project information explaining the pilot project, the amounts of the grant awards and the requirements and procedures for participating in the pilot project.

          I. Each participating school district shall report annual disaggregated demographic and proficiency data to the department, including an evaluation that determines whether students have gained proficiency. The reports shall include at least the following information:

                (1) the number and name of participating public schools that year;

                (2) the number of students who participated in each participating public school's math lab;

                (3) the total amount awarded to the school district and the amounts distributed to each participating public school;

                (4) changes in student math proficiency among participating school districts as measured by standardized assessments in general and in particular students participating in math labs; and

                (5) narrative or other forms of feedback from teachers, students and parents regarding the pilot project's impact.

          J. The department shall make school district reports available to the governor and the legislature through the legislative education study committee. By November 1, 2028, the department shall prepare a final report for the governor and the legislature on the efficacy of the pilot project, including recommendations for potential improvements or expansion of math labs statewide."

     SECTION 2. APPROPRIATION.--Three million dollars ($3,000,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the public education department for expenditure in fiscal years 2026 through 2028 to conduct the math lab pilot project. The appropriation shall be used exclusively for the purposes outlined in Section 1 of this act, including school staffing, instructional and classroom materials, technology, teacher training or professional development and required reporting. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2028 shall revert to the general fund.

     SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2025.

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