REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION STUDY COMMITTEE TO CONTINUE ITS AD HOC COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION REFORM.

WHEREAS, it is recognized nationally as well as among the states that public education in the United States is undergoing great change and reform to better prepare a literate and skilled citizenry that can compete successfully in the economic and political arenas of a global community and that can sustain our democratic American society through full participation in community and civic life; and

WHEREAS, in 1998, the New Mexico legislature recognized the need to assess the current status of New Mexico's public education system in light of shifting local, state, national and international conditions; and

WHEREAS, the education initiatives and accountability task force was established in 1999 by the New Mexico legislative council to study the history and development of the educational system in New Mexico, review educational reform initiatives and make recommendations to the legislature for an improved educational system in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, the legislative education study committee participated in the education initiatives and accountability task force's deliberations and endorsed its educational reform recommendations to improve the state's public education system and increase students' academic and social success; and

WHEREAS, the task force completed its two-year assignment and recommended a sweeping, comprehensive education reform package, which was passed in the 2001 legislative session but vetoed by the governor; and

WHEREAS, in light of the gubernatorial veto, the legislative education study committee created an ad hoc committee to continue to focus legislative and public attention on the 2001 education reform legislation and the urgent need to improve teacher quality, increase school accountability and support student achievement;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislative education study committee be requested to continue its ad hoc committee on education reform during the 2002 interim so that it may continue highlighting the work of the New Mexico education community toward educational reform; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be

transmitted to the legislative education study committee, the

state department of public education and the commission on

higher education.