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

 

 

 

SPONSOR:

Miera

 

DATE TYPED:

2/19/03

 

HB

HJM 48

 

SHORT TITLE:

Explora Center as Educational Resource

 

SB

 

 

 

ANALYST:

L. Baca

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY03

FY04

FY03

FY04

 

 

 

NFI

 

 

 

 

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 

Responses Received From

 

State Department of Education (SDE)

 

SUMMARY

 

     Synopsis of Bill

 

House Joint Memorial 48 requests that the Director of the Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum (Explora) and the State Department of Public Education (SDE) develop procedures for informing school districts about the availability of Explora as an educational resource and for assisting school districts with planning overnight visits to Explora, and that the Director of Explora and a representative from the SDE report to the Legislative Education Study Committee (LESC) and the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) prior to October 31, 2003.

 

     Significant Issues

 

According to SDE, the Explora Science Center is a private non-profit organization that exists through a public \private partnership with families, business and the City of Albuquerque.  Explora uses interactive experiences to develop discovery methods and to promote lifelong learning. 

 

The following are among the opportunities offered at the Explora Center:

 

·         More than 200 interactive exhibits and activities;

·         Science demonstrations;

·         Art activities;

·         Teaching Theater;

·         Seasonal classes;

·         Classes for school groups;

·         Professional development for educators; and

·         Community outreach programs.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

 

Existing staff from the SDE and Explora will cooperatively develop the procedures to disseminate in formation about Explora and procedures to assist School districts plan overnight visits to the Center.

 

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

 

SDE reports that the resources being developed at the Explora! Center utilize the New Mexico Content Standards, Benchmarks and Performance Standards and will provide opportunities for teachers to develop their professional skills and abilities to deliver more effective instruction.

 

KRB/njw