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)

Relates to HB 28, HB 112, HB 163, SB 14, SB 39, SB 165, SB 200, SB 208

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC files

State Department of Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Joint Memorial 25 directs that SDE design a statewide reading initiative in the year 2000 and that the agency report about the designed reading initiative to the Legislative Education Study Committee by August 2000.

Significant Issues

The memorial directs that the State Superintendent involve teachers, reading specialists, parents and others in the design of the reading initiative and further directs that the reading initiative should focus on providing:

• Consistent assessment and evaluation of student reading levels,

• Appropriate staff development to assist teachers in the instruction of the reading initiative,

• Extra time in the student's day for the implementation of reading programs that reflect quality, research-based programs shown to improve reading proficiency, and

• Rewarding teachers and staffs in schools and districts that are improving student success.

SDE reports the agency has applied for federal funds intended to improve students reading proficiency and for an EVENSTART grant that will be used to coordinate all family literacy initiatives in New Mexico.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

None is anticipated. The project could be implemented using existing staff. Costs to SDE should be minimal and within existing budgets if school districts pay mileage and per diem for their participating employees.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

This memorial "creates" another project for SDE to implement. Given the high priority given to improving reading proficiency, it appears this request would fit well within the SBE's performance goals. According to the SDE analysis, this memorial would require the agency's oversight and programmatic responsibilities.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

HB 28, HB 112, HB 163, SB 14, SB 39, SB 165, SB 200, SB 208 address the issue of reading literacy and proficiency.

LB/gm