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 Appropriation in The General Appropriation Act: HB24, HB33, HB74, HB82, House Joint Memorial 5, and SB4, SB10, SB31, SB40, SB138, SB307, SB436

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

State Department of Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 750 appropriates $50.0 to the State Department of Education (SDE) for expenditure in FY02 to provide reading enhancement programs at Albuquerque's Wilson middle school.

Significant Issues

According to the SDE, New Mexico middle school students are below national averages in reading and this trend has been unchanged during the past several years.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

Subsequent student performance on the reading portion of the Terra Nova Test and Gates' reading scores may reflect improved performance in this area.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $50.0 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.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

The following bills relate to improving reading and literacy programs in New Mexico:

HB24 Statewide Early Childhood Programs

HB33 Even Start Family Literacy Program

HJM5 Monitor Statewide Reading Initiative

SB4 Family literacy services

SB10 Reading Proficiency by third grade

SB31 At-risk student outreach program

SB40 Family literacy services

SB138 Reading Proficiency by third grade

SB436 Magdalena Schools Special Reading Program

SB307 and HB82 - makes student improvement appropriations.- $4.0 million is appropriated from the general fund to the state department of education for expenditure in fiscal year 2002 to pay teachers to teach intensive summer education programs emphasizing reading for students in need of assistance.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

According to the SDE, Wilson middle school's 6^th grade students averaged 45.4 percentile on the reading portion of the Terra Nova standardized tests. The school's 8^th graders averaged 50.1percentile on the reading portion of the Terra Nova. The Gates' reading scores were as follows: 6^th grade averaged in the 25^th percentile, 7^th graders averaged in the 32^nd percentile, and 8^th grade averaged in the 28^th percentile.

LG/ar