A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO ASSESS THE ALIGNMENT OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS' CURRICULA TO THE NEW MEXICO SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARDS OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS.

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico legislature in 2003 supported the goals of the New Mexico civic engagement initiative; and

     WHEREAS, the initiative created a series of youth-based community programs to educate New Mexico youths in civics and government at the community level; and

     WHEREAS, the legislature funded the creation of a web site promoting civics in communities and youth-based organizations; and

     WHEREAS, after two years the initiative has determined a relationship between civic engagement and the New Mexico social studies standards;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the public education department be requested to assess the alignment of school districts' social studies curricula to the New Mexico social studies standards over the past five years, with emphasis on the content standards dealing with government and civics. The report should address current social studies programs and specific indicators of student learning related to civics in government and provide recommendations for improvement and possible initiatives to ensure compliance; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public education department report its findings to the legislature prior to the second session of the forty-seventh legislature; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of public education.