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

SPONSOR Sanchez, B

DATE TYPED 2/7/05

HB

SHORT TITLE Uniform Curriculum by Grade and Subject

SB 264

ANALYST Chabot

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

See Narrative

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to SB 69, SB 138 and SB 146

Relates to Appropriation in the General Appropriation Act

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Public Education Department (PED)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 264 amends the general duties of the Public Education Department (Section 22-2-2

NMSA 1978) to require PED to institute “uniform public school curricula by grade and subject

for all public schools.” Editorial changes are made to amend the section to include the new re-

quirement.

Significant Issues

Current statutes require PED to prescribe courses of instruction taught in public schools. This

bill would requirement a uniform curriculum for all grades and courses taught. Uniformity

should allow students to change schools and districts without needing to adjust to curriculum dif-

ferences.

A standardized curriculum may result in less innovation by school districts in developing teach-

ing methods and adapting them to the needs of the students.

Senate Bill 264 -- Page 2

SB264 requires that PED assess “to develop, write and implement the uniform statewide school

curricula and to provide the professional development necessary to successfully institute the

curricula would be an expensive task. There are nine subject areas content standards and eight

grades for which the uniform statewide curricula would need to be written.”

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

Being able to transfer from schools and districts without loss of continuity should result in better

student outcomes. PED states rigorous academic curricula can improve core performance meas-

ures and achievement of benchmarks.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The bill has no appropriation; however, PED estimates $491 thousand would be needed to de-

velop the uniform public school curricula by grade and subject. LFC assess this should be ac-

complished by existing PED staff within the operating budget.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

PED will have to develop uniform curriculum for all school districts. It will have to mandate

course requirements, textbooks, and instruction methods.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

PED suggests page 6, line 23 through page 7, line 11 be changed to reflect the current new Mex-

ico Content Standards, Benchmarks and Performance Standards in the following areas: Lan-

guage Arts; Mathematics; Modern, Classical and Native languages; Science; Arts; Social Stud-

ies; Physical Education; Career Readiness; and health Education. However, no specific changes

were provided.

It further suggests the standard curriculum be voluntary.

WHAT WILL BE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT ENACTING THIS BILL.

The existing Standards, Benchmarks and Performance Standards will be used by districts to de-

velop curriculum.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1.

What are the major benefits envisioned by this legislation.

2.

How will innovation in teaching methods and choice of textbooks be impacted by a stan-

dardized statewide curriculum.

3.

Do local school boards support this legislation.

GAC/yr