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.

The LFC is only preparing FIRs on bills referred to the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Ways and Means Committee, the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the House Taxation and Revenue Committee. The chief clerks are responsible for preparing and issuing all other bill analyses.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Room 416 of the State Capitol Building.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

State Department of Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 129 amends Section 22-2-8.7 of the Public School Code to permit the State Board of Education (SBE) to waive certain certification requirements for applicants having equivalent education or training.

Significant Issues

The bill proposes to waive a portion of Section 22-2-8.7 (A) which outlines the general education requirements that a prospective teacher must take in the college of arts and sciences if the SBE determines that the applicant is otherwise qualified for a teaching license by reason of other education and training.

Senate Bill 129 indicates that the SBE may elect to waive a portion(s) of Section 22-2-8.7 (B) which mandates 14 weeks of student teaching if the SBE determines that the applicant is otherwise qualified for a teaching license by reason of other education and training.

The amendment provides the SBE with needed flexibility in evaluating the professional credentials of applicants for teaching licensure, especially those applicants who select alternative routes to licensure, are changing careers, or who otherwise have unique educational backgrounds and experiences.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Senate Bill 129 does not contain an appropriation.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

None to SDE or local school districts.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

According to SDE, New Mexico is currently facing a shortage of approximately 1,500 teachers per year. New Mexico's colleges of education only prepare approximately 1,300 students per year. This gap between teacher supply and demand is further increased by existing teacher retirements and attrition. Allowing this flexibility will help to attract qualified persons into the teaching profession by removing barriers to licensure.

RS/njw