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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:	2/19/03		HB
SHORT TITLE:		Border Region Math and Science Education				SB	617
					ANALYST:		L. Baca

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY03	FY04	FY03	FY04
	$400.0			Recurring	GF

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Identical to HB 474, Border Region Math & Science Education

Similar to SB 649, Border Region Math & Science Education

Relates to Appropriation for New Mexico State University n the General Appropriation Act

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Responses Received From

State Department of Education (SDE)

New Mexico State University (NMSU)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 617 appropriates $400.0 from the general fund to the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University for an initiative that partners with kindergarten through twelfth grade public school students in Southern New Mexico to significantly increase math and science achievement for all students in rural counties in proximity to the Mexican border.

Significant Issues

New Mexico public school students consistently score low on math and science tests. According to the NMSU analysis, border area children score lower than the rest of the state, are not meeting learning expectations in science and math and, consequently, many are not successfully completing high school or pursuing a college education.

This bill addresses some of the causes for the under-achievement in these two subjects, such as:

• lack of alignment between taught curriculum and state content standards,
• low performance on math and science tests by all New Mexico students,
• inadequate preparation of seniors entering post-secondary institutions, and
• need for professional training for instructional and administrative staff.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $400.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2004 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

NMSU reports it will absorb the additional responsibilities and costs (about $40.0) associated with implementing the provisions of the bill. The appropriation requested will be used to support costs associated with staffing. Also, NMSU will use matching grant funds from the federal government and private industry to promote the goals of the Border Initiative.

POSSIBLE QUESTONS

1. What activities are currently underway to strengthen instruction in science and math in school districts that would participate in the border Initiative?

2. If any, how successful have they been?

3. Even though scores in math and science tests are consistently low, are students making any “progress”?

LRB/prr