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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T





SPONSOR: Wilson DATE TYPED: 2/26/01 HB
SHORT TITLE: Credit for Prior Learning SB SJM-61
ANALYST: Gilbert


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY01 FY02 FY01 FY02

Minimal - NFI



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION



LFC Files

No Response from the Commission on Higher Education



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



Senate Joint Memorial 61 requests the New Mexico Early Childhood Higher Education Articulation Task Force to make recommendations to the Commission of Higher Education regarding awarding credit from post-secondary educational institutions for prior learning.



Significant Issues



This joint memorial directs the New Mexico Early Childhood Higher Education Articulation Task Force (ECHEATF), under the direction of the Commission on Higher Education (CHE), to develop a standardized and comprehensive process for awarding college credit for prior learning and to present these recommendations to the CHE no later than September 30, 2001. The recommended process must be appropriate for implementation at all New Mexico institutions of higher education.



CHE staff are also directed to review the ECHEATF report and make recommendations for broader application and implementation to the CHE, appropriate legislative committees, and to the higher education community.



Demonstration of competence through challenge examinations, portfolios, interviews and other forms of documentation and assessment are necessary prior to awarding credit for prior learning.





FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



The CHE did not indicate that additional FTE will be necessary to accomplish this request.



ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS



CHE staff are directed to review the ECHEATF report and make recommendations for broader application and implementation.



OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES



The following issues are offered as the basis for this joint resolution:

LG/njw