[1] NOTE:  As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended only 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.

 

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

 

 

SPONSOR:

Nava

 

DATE TYPED:

1-26-02

 

HB

 

 

SHORT TITLE:

High School Curricula

 

SB

71

 

 

ANALYST:

Baca

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY02

FY03

FY02

FY03

 

 

 

 

$0.1 Significant

 

General Fund

Parenthesis) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

 

Duplicates       HB 76                         

 

Relates to        HJM 11 & SJM 10     

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 

State Department of Education (SDE)

Commission on Higher Education  (CHE)

 

SUMMARY

 

     Synopsis of Bill

 

Senate Bill 71 requires that high school curricula be aligned with the knowledge and skills necessary for work and post-secondary education.  The bill further requires that the SDE and the Commission on Higher Education collaborate in aligning high school graduation examinations with tests used for college admissions and placement into college-level courses.

 

   Significant Issues

 

The CHE analysis states that  this legislation aligns with actions taken recently by the CHE and SDE to support the development of a strong New Mexico P-16 Partnership. On November 16, 2001 the CHE formally endorsed proposed legislation for a P-16 advisory council to the CHE and SDE to align educational policies between public schools and higher education so that all students complete high school prepared to succeed in post-secondary education and work.   Both agencies are also directed to establish an integrated statewide P-16 student data system. 

 

In addition, the analysis states,  “More recently, in January 2002, both the CHE and the SBE formally adopted a ‘P-16 Framework for Accelerated Learning Options’, also part of the ongoing

 P-16 Partnership established between both bodies. This statement formally reflects the consensus of both boards to develop a statewide policy for implementing the provisions of the bill”.  In addition, the CHE recently identified it four priorities for 2001-2002 and listed P-16 Partnerships as its third priority.

 

While the State Board of Education (SBE) are supportive of aligning curricula and continue working collaboratively with the CHE, the SDE analysis points out that responsibility for establishing educational policy, including public school curricula, is constitutionally vested in the SBE. 

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The bill contains no appropriation.  However, according to the SDE, the fiscal impact would be significant due to negotiated agreements and contracts with outside parties to perform the required actions of this bill.

 

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

 

SDE indicates the bill supports the SBE’s performance measure in the number of standards aligned with state assessments.  The SBE has established performance standards and benchmarks pursuant to its constitutional mandate. Student academic achievement is addressed in Standards for Excellence, which specifications for the Education Plan for Student Success (EPSS), The New Mexico Student Achievement System and the accountability framework specified in the New Mexico Accountability Program.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

 

If this bill were enacted, according to the SDE analysis, the department would have to determine the content and standards used to develop examinations at two- and four- year institutions.  In addition the collaboration mandated by HB 76 would require the establishment of more intense and time consuming working relationships among the institutions affected.

 

DUPLICATION

 

Senate Bill 71 is identical to House Bill 76, High School Curricula.  It relates to HJM 11 SJM 10, both titled Preschool through Post Secondary System.

 

TECHNICAL ISSUES

 

The SDE analysis suggests there is a conflict between this bill and the SBE’s constitutional responsibilities. 

 

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

 

1.  How is this bill in conflict with the SBE’s constitutional responsibilities?

2.  Doesn’t the  New Mexico Constitution state that the SBE will carry out its mandates as      provided by law?

3.     The CHE appears very satisfied with efforts made so far to align curricula.  Does the SBE share this feeling ?

 

LB/njw

 [1]Begin typing on the * in replace mode.  Do not add or delete spaces.