SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 40

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2006

INTRODUCED BY

Cynthia Nava

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT CERTAIN STATE AGENCIES ESTABLISH COMMON, SHARED STUDENT DATA SYSTEMS FROM PRE-KINDERGARTEN THROUGH POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION, INCLUDING ADULT BASIC EDUCATION AND TRAINING.

     WHEREAS, the higher education department, public education department, children, youth and families department and office of workforce training and development each have separate data systems tracking New Mexicans; and

     WHEREAS, each agency's unique data system tracks New Mexicans at one phase in their lives; and

     WHEREAS, the existence of these separate data systems precludes tracking student success across sectors of the educational system and into the workforce; and

     WHEREAS, each of these state agencies has an obligation to best meet the needs of New Mexico residents; and

     WHEREAS, studies have shown that a seamless data system from pre-kindergarten to the workforce is a necessary component in determining if state education policies are working; and

     WHEREAS, common data and direct links between different data systems will provide research capability to measure results of New Mexico educational reform; and

     WHEREAS, the ability to examine this data over time will demonstrate student proficiencies and readiness for college and career training needed in the workforce; and

     WHEREAS, common, shared student data systems will enable public schools, colleges, universities and employers to identify and address weaknesses in the educational system to better prepare students for the world of work; and

     WHEREAS, common, shared student data systems will be an economic planning tool for forecasting potential areas of growth and workforce training demands;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the higher education department, public education department, children, youth and families department and office of workforce training and development be requested to establish common, shared student data systems from pre-kindergarten to post-secondary levels of education, including adult basic education and training; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the agencies report to the governor and the legislature on their efforts to establish common, shared student data systems by November 1, 2007; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretaries of higher education, public education and children, youth and families and the director of the office of workforce training and development.

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