SB 552

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AN ACT

RELATING TO EDUCATION; ENACTING THE MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE

EDUCATION ACT; CREATING THE MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE BUREAU IN

THE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT; CREATING AN ADVISORY

COUNCIL; CREATING A FUND.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. A new section of the Public School Code is

enacted to read:

"SHORT TITLE.--This act may be cited as the "Mathematics

and Science Education Act"."

Section 2. A new section of the Public School Code is

enacted to read:

"DEFINITIONS.--As used in the Mathematics and Science

Education Act:

A. "bureau" means the mathematics and science

bureau;

B. "chief" means the chief of the bureau; and

C. "council" means the mathematics and science

advisory council."

Section 3. A new section of the Public School Code is

enacted to read:

"BUREAU CREATED--DUTIES.--

A. The "mathematics and science bureau" is created

in the department. The secretary shall appoint the chief as

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provided in the Public Education Department Act.

B. The bureau shall:

(1) administer the provisions of the

Mathematics and Science Education Act;

(2) provide staff support for and coordinate

the activities of the council;

(3) work with the council to develop a

statewide strategic plan for mathematics and science

education in the public schools and coordinate education

activities with other state agencies, the federal government,

business consortia and public or private organizations or

other persons;

(4) ensure that school districts' plans

include goals for improving mathematics and science education

aligned to the department's strategic plan;

(5) recommend funding mechanisms that

support the improvement of mathematics and science education

in the state, including web-based mathematics and science

curricula, mentoring and web-based homework assistance;

(6) promote partnerships among public

schools, higher education institutions, government, business

and educational and community organizations to improve the

mathematics and science education in the state;

(7) develop and evaluate curricula,

instructional programs and professional development programs

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in mathematics and science aligned with state academic

content and performance standards; and

(8) assess the outcomes of efforts to

improve mathematics and science education using existing

data."

Section 4. A new section of the Public School Code is

enacted to read:

"MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ADVISORY COUNCIL--CREATED--

MEMBERS--TERMS--VACANCIES.--

A. The "mathematics and science advisory council"

is created, composed of twelve members. Members of the

council shall be appointed by the secretary for staggered

terms of four years; provided that for the initial

appointments, four members shall be appointed for two years,

four members shall be appointed for three years and four

members shall be appointed for four years. Members shall

serve until their successors have been appointed and

qualified. A vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the

secretary for the unexpired term.

B. Using a statewide application process, the

secretary shall appoint members from throughout the state so

as to ensure representation of the state's demographics,

including geographic distribution, gender and ethnic

diversity and as follows:

(1) four members from public schools,

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including at least two mathematics and science teachers and a

school district administrator with experience in mathematics

and science curricula;

(2) three members from public post-secondary

educational institutions with expertise in mathematics or

science education;

(3) four members from the private sector,

including the national laboratories, museums and science- and

engineering-based businesses; and

(4) one member who represents the New Mexico

partnership for mathematics and science education.

C. Members of the council shall elect a chair from

among the membership. The council shall meet at the call of

the chair not less than quarterly.

D. Members of the council are entitled to receive

per diem and mileage pursuant to the provisions of the Per

Diem and Mileage Act but shall receive no other compensation,

perquisite or allowance."

Section 5. A new section of the Public School Code is

enacted to read:

"COUNCIL DUTIES.--The council shall:

A. advise the bureau on implementation of the

bureau's duties pursuant to the Mathematics and Science

Education Act;

B. make recommendations to the bureau and the

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department regarding the statewide strategic plan for

improving mathematics and science education and advise on its

implementation and incorporation into the department's

five-year strategic plan for public elementary and secondary

education in the state;

C. advise the bureau, the department and the

legislature regarding appropriations for mathematics and

science education, administration, resources and services,

including programs for public school students and staff;

D. work with the bureau to determine the need for

improvement in mathematics and science achievement of public

school students and make recommendations to the department on

how to meet these needs; and

E. produce an annual report on public elementary

and secondary mathematics and science student achievement to

be submitted to the department, the governor and the

legislature no later than November 30 of each year."

Section 6. A new section of the Public School Code is

enacted to read:

"MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE PROFICIENCY FUND--CREATED--

PURPOSE--ANNUAL REPORTS.--

A. The "mathematics and science proficiency fund"

is created as a nonreverting fund in the state treasury. The

fund consists of appropriations, gifts, grants, donations and

income from investment of the fund. Disbursements from the

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fund shall be made by warrant of the secretary of finance and

administration pursuant to vouchers signed by the secretary

of public education or the secretary's authorized

representative.

B. The fund shall be administered by the

department, and money in the fund is appropriated to the

department to provide awards to public schools, school

districts, public post-secondary educational institutions and

persons that implement innovative, research-based mathematics

and science curricula and professional development programs.

The department shall promulgate rules for the application and

award of money from the fund, including criteria to evaluate

innovative, research-based mathematics and science programs

and professional development programs.

C. Each award recipient shall provide an annual

report to the bureau that includes a detailed budget report, a

description of the services provided and documented evidence

of the stated outcomes of the program funded by the

mathematics and science proficiency fund and that provides

other information requested by the bureau."