SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 31

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2007

INTRODUCED BY

William E. Sharer

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF MARKETING NEW MEXICO'S DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM TO OTHER STATES.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico is expanding distance learning opportunities for students across our geographically large state; and

     WHEREAS, distance learning expands the classroom for New Mexico's best teachers and allows more students to take advantage of the skills those outstanding teachers have to offer; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has a wealth of expertise outside the classroom, especially in the areas of math and science, as the state is home to two national laboratories; and

     WHEREAS, students in other states would benefit from the knowledge and skills that New Mexico teachers and scientists have to offer; and

     WHEREAS, it is possible that states with less-developed distance learning programs or infrastructure would be willing to pay the state of New Mexico for distance learning services, and such revenue could be used to compensate New Mexico teachers better and to improve the state's distance learning program;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the public education department be requested to study the feasibility and revenue possibilities of marketing New Mexico's distance learning program to other states and that it report its findings to the legislative education study committee prior to the second session of the forty-eighth legislature; and 

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

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