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

REQUESTING THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION TO STUDY AND RECOMMEND THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS OF INCORPORATING THE METHODS OF ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSES INTO THE GENERAL HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM.

WHEREAS, the nationally recognized advanced placement program provides enrolled high school students the opportunity to take advanced courses for which they receive high school credit and through which they become eligible for receiving college credit for successfully completed courses; and

WHEREAS, the nationally recognized advanced placement program provides professional development for teachers in the alignment of curriculum, as well as support in the process of aligning curriculum and assessment with standards so that enrolled students may reach higher levels of achievement; and

WHEREAS, advanced placement courses are offered in more than one-half of the nation's high schools but in less than one-half of New Mexico's high schools; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico's students should have access to enhanced learning curricula, including advanced placement classes and regular classes that benefit from advanced placement methods; and

WHEREAS, all students benefit when standards and expectations are increased; and

WHEREAS, the state department of public education's educational plan for student success already provides an essential framework that can be used to integrate advanced placement methods into the general curriculum;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state department of public education study the feasibility of incorporating advanced placement methods into the general high school curriculum and make recommendations on the most effective means for school districts to implement advanced placement instructional methods for all students; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state department of public education report its findings and recommendations to the legislative education study committee by November 1, 2000; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the superintendent of public instruction, the president of the state board of education and the director of the legislative education study committee for appropriate distribution.