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

REQUESTING THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION TO CONDUCT A STUDY OF THE CURRICULA AND GRADUATION CREDITS NECESSARY FOR NEW MEXICO STUDENTS TO MEET STATE AND LOCAL CONTENT STANDARDS IN MATH AND SCIENCE.

WHEREAS, current research shows that all students can learn if they have access to a high quality curriculum; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico student achievement scores for math and science are among the lowest in the nation according to national assessment of educational progress testing results; and

WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico has adopted content standards and benchmarks in mathematics and science; and

WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico has adopted performance standards in mathematics and science; and

WHEREAS, local school districts in New Mexico are in the process of aligning curricula with the new standards; and

WHEREAS, one of the seven issues in the state board of education strategic plan is equitable access and opportunity; and

WHEREAS, current graduation requirements may not provide all students the opportunities to meet all the standards; and

WHEREAS, current research demonstrates that mastery of algebraic concepts is important in terms of educational equity, and completion of a basic algebra course provides students with the opportunity to enroll in higher level math courses, thereby gaining confidence and proficiency that will provide educational and employment advantages; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico has three national laboratories that provide tremendous career opportunities for students with strong backgrounds in math and science; and

WHEREAS, a detailed study of the number and type or kind of science and mathematics credits necessary for graduation and high achievement will assist school districts and the state board of education in identifying ways to improve student achievement in math and science;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state department of public education be requested to conduct a thorough study of the curricula and graduation credits necessary to meet state and local content standards in math and science; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in conducting the study, the state department of public education involve a broad range of New Mexicans to include students, parents, teachers, university professors, leaders of teacher preparation programs and those supporting math, science and technology reform, administrators, the commission on higher education, staff from the national laboratories and other interested persons; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a research report be presented to the legislative education study committee and other appropriate legislative interim committees by August 15, 2000; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the chairman of the legislative education study committee, the chairmen of other appropriate legislative interim committees and the superintendent of public instruction.