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

SPONSOR Kernan

DATE TYPED 3-4-05

HB

SHORT TITLE Core School Curriculum Framework

SB 138/aSFC

ANALYST Segura

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Public Education Department (PED)

Legislative Education Study Committee (LESC)

FOR THE LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION STUDY COMMITTEE

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Amendment

Senate Finance Committee amended Senate Bill 138 as follows:

•

The amendment deletes the general fund appropriation. The amendment does not change

the original intent of the bill.

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 138 provides for school districts and charter schools to create core curriculum

frameworks in kindergarten through grade six to prepare students for pre-Advanced Placement

and Advanced Placement coursework. The bill appropriates $400.0 to fund grants for the devel-

opment and implementation of core curriculum frameworks.

Senate Bill 138 -- Page 2

Significant Issues

According to PED, school curricula must be aligned with New Mexico Content Standards,

Benchmarks and Performance Standards. Senate Bill 138 supports the Public Education Depart-

ment efforts to assist districts in developing standards-based curricula.

In New Mexico, two districts, Taos and Socorro have been funded to participate in a pilot study

to engage elementary students in pre-Advanced Placement curricula. The grants were funded

through the 2004 General Appropriation Act. No data is available to measure the success of these

pilot programs.

Senate Bill 138 requires PED to make grant awards within 90 days of the deadline for receipt of

applications and adopt rules to implement the provisions of the bill.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Senate Bill 138 appropriates $400.0 from the general fund and is recurring.

The Legislative Finance Committee and executive recommend $381.6 for the program in

FY06.The Legislative Education Study Committee recommends $400.0.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

PED would monitor the program and collect data that would measure its success.

CONFLICT, DUPLICATION, COMPANIONSHIP, RELATIONSHIP

Senate Bill 138 relates to Senate Bill 215 and budget recommendations by legislative and execu-

tive for FY06; conflicts with Senate Bill 264.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

According to PED, the bill lacks a clear definition of “core curriculum” and “core curriculum

sequence.” If enacted, grant applications should include assurances that developed curricula are

accessible to all students.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

According to LESC, for FY 05, the 2004 Legislature appropriated $381.6 to PED, of which

$100.0 was used for a core curriculum framework grant program, with the balance used for pre-

AP and AP teacher training.

RS/njw