AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS; PROVIDING FOR A CORE CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK FOR KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE SIX; PROVIDING FOR GRANTS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. A new section of Article 13 of the Public School Code is enacted to read:

     "CORE CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK--PURPOSE--CURRICULUM.--

          A. School districts and charter schools may create core curriculum frameworks to provide high quality curricula in kindergarten through grade six to prepare students for pre-advanced placement and advanced placement coursework in grades seven through twelve.

          B. The framework shall include:

                (1) a curriculum that is aligned with state academic content and performance standards that is challenging, specific as to content and sequential from grade to grade, similar to a core curriculum sequence;

                (2) in-depth professional development for teachers that includes vertical teaming in content areas; and

                (3) content, materials and instructional strategies or methodologies that current research demonstrates are likely to lead to improved student achievement in pre-advanced placement and advanced placement coursework in grades seven through twelve.

          C. The framework may be selected from previously developed curricula or may be developed by the school district or charter school.

          D. A school district or charter school that meets department eligibility requirements may apply to the department for support of its core curriculum framework. Applications shall be in the form prescribed by the department and shall include the following information:

                (1) a statement of need;

                (2) goals and expected outcomes of the framework;

                (3) a detailed description of the curriculum to be implemented;

                (4) a detailed work plan and budget for the framework;

                (5) documentation of the research upon which the anticipated success of the framework is based;

                (6) a description of any partnership proposed to implement the framework, supported by letters of commitment from the partner;

                (7) an evaluation plan; and

                (8) any other information that the department requires.

          E. The department shall award grants within ninety days of the deadline for receipt of grant applications.

          F. The department shall adopt and promulgate rules to implement the provisions of this section."