44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

REQUESTING THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION, THE LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION STUDY COMMITTEE AND THE EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES AND ACCOUNTABILITY TASK FORCE TO STUDY AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON CLASS SIZE REDUCTIONS.

WHEREAS, educational research demonstrates that reduced class size has a positive and significant impact on student achievement; and

WHEREAS, reduced student-teacher ratios contribute to an improved and enhanced classroom learning and teaching environment; and

WHEREAS, other states, such as Tennessee, have conducted long-term studies of the impact of lowering student-teacher ratios in the classroom; and

WHEREAS, there is evidence of a correlation between lower student-teacher ratios and effective classroom discipline; and

WHEREAS, classroom teachers appear to suffer less career dissatisfaction when student-teacher ratios are reduced;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state department of public education, the legislative education study committee and the educational initiatives and accountability task force be requested to study and make recommendations on class size initiatives being conducted in other states like Tennessee as those initiatives relate to school reform measures; study the benefits of class size reduction on student achievement in comparison to other reform measures; and make recommendations on the positive impact on students and teachers in a reduced sized classroom; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state department of public education, the legislative education study committee and the educational initiatives and accountability task force report their findings and recommendations to the New Mexico legislative council no later than December 15, 2000; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to members of the legislative education study committee and its director, members of the educational initiatives and accountability task force and the superintendent of public instruction.