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

 

 

 

SPONSOR

Zanetti

DATE TYPED

2-13-04

HB

HJM 18

 

SHORT TITLE

Study Testing Students in Their Home Language

SB

 

 

 

ANALYST

Segura

 

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 Public Education Committee (PED)

 

SUMMARY

 

Synopsis of Bill

 

House Joint Memorial 18 requests that the Public Education Department study the feasibility of testing students in their home language and requiring each school district to determine the appropriate assessments and appropriate test accommodations to be utilized for testing English Language Learners (Limited English-Proficient students). The memorial also requests that the Secretary of Public Education report all action taken with regard to this memorial to the appropriate interim committee prior to the first session of the 47th Legislature.

 

Significant Issues

 

According to PED, educational research has shown that assessment of English Language Learners is more accurate when the student is tested in their home language. Currently, students participating in the State Bilingual Education program can be assessed for proficiency in their home language as well as English. There are several standardized academic achievement tests written in the Spanish language; however, there are not standardized academic achievement tests written

in Native American languages.

 

If HJM 18 is enacted, this joint memorial would allow districts to better understand the need to develop assessment instruments in the home language for Native American students. They would also provide PED and districts with an estimate of costs to develop and administer such assessment instruments.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

 

The department indicates that additional FTE may be needed to conduct the feasibility study.

 

RS/dm:lg