SENATE MEMORIAL 24

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

INTRODUCED BY

Dede Feldman

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO EXTEND THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING FOR TUTORING.

     WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico is committed to improving education opportunities for its children; and

     WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico receives substantial federal funding through Title I programs aimed at improving educational opportunities for elementary and secondary students facing economic and academic challenges; and

     WHEREAS, a portion of such federal funding expressly designated to assist students in schools in need of improvement is intended to assist those students in greatest need of educational assistance through supplemental education services; and

     WHEREAS, under this program, parents have the option to choose from a variety of programs designed to provide specific supplemental education services to children enrolled in eligible schools; and

     WHEREAS, students may find themselves struggling at any time during the school year and should be able to receive assistance when needed if funds are available; and

     WHEREAS, research indicates that summer studies can significantly improve student academic performance in the following school year; and

     WHEREAS, federal guidelines support the benefits of summer tutoring, and expanding the program time frame into the summer months does not require additional state funding; and

     WHEREAS, there appears to be no reason why the public education department cannot make federal funding for summer tutoring available;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the public education department be requested to initiate an open enrollment process and the necessary parental notification to eligible families throughout the year, including the summer break, up to the program's funding allocation limits, with the understanding that federal funds committed, due to enrollment, before the end of the fiscal year, can be carried over for the tutoring during summer months; and

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

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