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.

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 Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to: House Bills 506, 507, & 698, 699

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 324 appropriates $75.0 to the State Department of Education (SDE) to provide standardized test instructions in tribal languages.

Significant Issues

The appropriation in this bill would be used to pay tribal language speakers to provide standardized test instructions to Native American students in public schools.

According to the SDE, Native American students perform at lower levels as compared to other ethnic groups on all statewide assessments administered in English.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $75.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY02 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

SDE staff would be required to monitor this initiative to ensure program and fiscal compliance. Additional FTE may be necessary to comply with the provisions of this bill.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

House Bill 698 $65.0 for a contract to develop an Acoma-Keres oral language instruction curriculum, to develop teaching resources, and for publication of the new curriculum.

House Bill 699 $80.0 for culturally diverse learner teacher training for teachers with Acoma-Keres students.

House Bill 506 to fund Native American language teachers.

House Bill 507 to develop Native American language standards.

LG/jsp