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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Department of Education (DOE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

SJM 16 requests the State Department of Education (SDE) conduct a study of the curricula and graduation credits necessary to meet state and local content standards in mathematics and science. The memorial further directs that the study involve a broad range of New Mexicans, including students, parents, teachers, university professors, leaders of teacher preparation programs, and those supporting mathematics, science, and technology reform, administrators, the Commission on Higher Education, staff from the national laboratories, and other interested persons. Findings of this study shall be presented to the Legislative Education Study Committee (LESC) in August 2001.

Significant Issues

According to the SDE, a study of this nature will provide key information to all relevant stakeholders on how curricula can support student progress towards meeting the state content standards.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Though SJM 16 makes no appropriation to SDE, the agency claims that a comprehensive study of this nature will require sufficient funding to cover expenses of New Mexicans involved in conducting this study, including travel and per diem.

RJM/lrs