HOUSE BILL 348

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Benjamin H. Rodefer

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS; REQUIRING ART AND MUSIC TO BE TAUGHT AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK IN KINDERGARTEN THROUGH SIXTH GRADE.

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

     Section 1. Section 22-13-1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2003, Chapter 153, Section 57, as amended by Laws 2007, Chapter 307, Section 7 and by Laws 2007, Chapter 308, Section 7) is amended to read:

     "22-13-1. SUBJECT AREAS--MINIMUM INSTRUCTIONAL AREAS REQUIRED--ACCREDITATION.--

          A. The department shall require public schools to address department-approved academic content and performance standards when instructing in specific department-required subject areas as provided in this section. A public school or school district failing to meet these minimum requirements shall not be accredited by the department.

          B. All kindergarten through third grade classes shall provide daily instruction in reading and language arts skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics and comprehension, and in mathematics. Students in kindergarten and first grades shall be screened and monitored for progress in reading and language arts skills and students in second grade shall take diagnostic tests on reading and language arts skills.

          C. All first, second and third grade classes shall provide instruction in [art, music and] a language other than English, and instruction that meets content and performance standards shall be provided in science, social studies, physical education and health education.

          D. All kindergarten through sixth grade classes shall provide instruction in art and music at least once per week.

          [D.] E. In fourth through eighth grades, instruction that meets academic content and performance standards shall be provided in the following subject areas:

                (1) reading and language arts skills, with an emphasis on writing and editing for at least one year and an emphasis on grammar and writing for at least one year;

                (2) mathematics;

                (3) language other than English;

                (4) communication skills;

                (5) science;

                (6) art;

                (7) music;

                (8) social studies;

                (9) New Mexico history;

                (10) United States history;

                (11) geography;

                (12) physical education; and

                (13) health education.

          [E.] F. Beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, in eighth grade, algebra 1 shall be offered in regular classroom settings or through online courses or agreements with high schools.

          [F.] G. In fourth through eighth grades, school districts shall offer electives that contribute to academic growth and skill development and provide career and technical education.

          [G.] H. In ninth through twelfth grades, instruction that meets academic content and performance standards shall be provided in health education."

     Section 2. APPLICABILITY.--This act applies to the 2009-2010 and subsequent school years.

- 3 -