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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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

State Department of Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of HEC Amendment

This amendment adds the following language: "A plan for a program evaluation, including specific program goals and criteria for assessing effectiveness shall be submitted to the LFC and the CHE by August 1, 2000 and an assessment shall be completed annually."

Synopsis of Bill

This bill appropriates $422.0 from the general fund to the Board of Regents of the University of New Mexico for the purpose of enhancing the use of technology in the classroom through faculty development and development of a joint teacher institute with the Albuquerque Public Schools (APS).

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $422.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY01 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

According to SDE, this bill will have an impact on APS to coordinate the effort with UNM.

According to CHE, this bill adds 1.05 FTE to UNM.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

According to SDE, language should be considered to connect this program to other statewide initiatives. The Regional Educational Technology Assistance initiative is establishing regional support centers in community colleges and universities in the state to provide sustained support for teachers and administrators.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

According to CHE, this project would build faculty capacity to integrate technology into the teaching and learning process as well as provide future and current teachers with models to effectively use technology in the classroom.

CHE recommends that the following language be included for all new recurring higher education programs: "A plan for a program evaluation, including specific program goals and criteria for assessing program effectiveness shall be submitted to LFC and CHE by October 1, 2000. An assessment of the program will be completed prior to June 30, 2001 and submitted to LFC and CHE."

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