REQUESTING THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION TO STUDY THE FISCAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF ELIMINATING THE TWELFTH GRADE FOR HIGH SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

WHEREAS, high school students within New Mexico are capable of completing their high school graduation requirements in three years rather than four years; and

WHEREAS, many high school students do not currently take a full course load during their fourth year of high school; and

WHEREAS, the fiscal benefit to the state of eliminating the twelfth grade for high school students throughout New Mexico will save the state a significant amount of money; and

WHEREAS, the elimination of the twelfth grade for high school students within the state may also benefit local communities by producing a younger workforce;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state department of public education be requested to study the academic preparedness of the students, the fiscal benefits to the state and the social impact on students of eliminating the twelfth grade for high school students within New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state department of public education consult with educators, parents, members of the business community, members of educational organizations and members of the criminal justice community regarding the impact on students and the community of eliminating the twelfth grade in high schools in New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study include an analysis of the impact on the current state and federal laws if students graduated from high school at the age of sixteen or seventeen; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be

transmitted to the superintendent of public instruction.