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 for other purposes.

The most recent FIR version (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) is available on the Legislative Website. The Adobe PDF version includes all attachments, whereas the HTML version does not. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may 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:	Garcia, M.P.		DATE TYPED:	2/1/04		HB	HJM 11
SHORT TITLE:		English on Spanish General Education Tests				SB
					ANALYST:		L. Baca

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY04	FY05	FY04	FY05
	NFI

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC files

Responses Received From

New Mexico Department of Public Education (PED)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Joint Memorial 11 requests the PED eliminate the English language proficiency requirement necessary for successful completion of the general education development (GED) tests.

Significant Issues

The PED reports that the New Mexico High School diploma issued by the Secretary of Education does not indicate whether the test was completed in English or Spanish but the GED transcript issued by the testing service does identify the language in which the test was completed. The PED reports that each jurisdiction determines whether to indicate the language in which the test was taken.

According to the PED, there exists a dilemma over whether or not taking the English Proficiency Test is an appropriate bridge for candidates who have successfully completed the GED in a language other than English. While the English Proficiency Test allows Spanish test-takers to demonstrate their ability to read English, it may not be fair to deny a diploma to a person who has successfully completed all five GED sections in Spanish.

The PED also questions whether it is the responsibility of GED to assess English proficiency or should some other program be used.

CONFLICT

According to the PED, this bill conflicts with NMAC6.30.2.8 B (1), which requires that a New Mexico high school graduate must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. By implication, this requirement would apply to those who receive a high school diploma school through the GED.

LB/lg