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	Maes		DATE TYPED	2-4-04		HB
SHORT TITLE		Smaller Learning Communities Pilot Project				SB	242
					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

Responses Received From

New Mexico Public Education Department (PED)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 242 appropriates $100.0 to support a smaller learning community pilot project to provide academic remediation and individualized learning support to students.

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 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

Senate Bill 242 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.

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