Fiscal impact reports (FIRs) are prepared by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) for standing finance committees of the NM Legislature. The LFC does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of these reports if they are used for other purposes.

 

Current FIRs (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) are available on the NM Legislative Website (legis.state.nm.us).  Adobe PDF versions include all attachments, whereas HTML versions may not.  Previously issued FIRs and attachments may also be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

 

 

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

 

 

 

SPONSOR

Trujillo

DATE TYPED

2-204

HB

241

 

SHORT TITLE

Smaller Learning Communities Pilot Project

SB

 

 

 

ANALYST

Segura

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY04

FY05

FY04

FY05

 

$100.0

 

 

Recurring

GF

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

New Mexico Public Education Department (PED)

 

 

SUMMARY

 

House Bill 241 appropriates $100.0 to support a smaller learning community pilot project to provide academic remediation and individualized learning support to students.

 

Synopsis of Bill

 

The pilot project would provide learning support at Santa Fe and Capital high schools in Santa Fe. According to PED, smaller learning communities create environments in which it is easier for staff, faculty, students and parents to know each other. Such environments can foster stronger interpersonal relationships. The department states, that these closer relationships with teachers may reduce the apathy and alienation experienced by may low-performing students, and consequently improve their learning.

 

Significant Issues

 

The PED cites a study of small schools established between 1990-1997 in Chicago area that found that students in these schools had lower dropout rates, completed more courses, made higher grades and showed some improvements in standardized test scores.

 

 

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

House Bill 241 appropriates $100.0 from the general fund and is recurring.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

 

The New Mexico Public Education Department would administer the program.

 

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

 

According to PED, the bill supports the performance measure of percent of education reform requirements and timeline to address student success. The legislation also supports increased student achievement in No Child Left Behind, House Bill 212 and the Indian Education Act.

 

 

RS/lg