SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 18

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Stephen H. Fischmann

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT A TASK FORCE, INCLUDING THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT, PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, TO STUDY THE MEANS WHEREBY THE STATE CAN PROVIDE A MORE COORDINATED AND INTEGRATED EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM TO CHILDREN FROM BIRTH THROUGH COLLEGE GRADUATION.

     WHEREAS, approximately forty-six percent of New Mexico's population is functionally illiterate, which means they cannot function above a fifth grade level and do not qualify for two-thirds of all jobs in America; and

     WHEREAS, while a high school diploma used to be the minimal universal educational expectation, it now appears that a two-year post-secondary degree or credential is required for many occupations; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico needs to educate more of its citizens to a higher level than ever before; and

     WHEREAS, many employers and higher education institutions in New Mexico are increasingly disappointed with the proficiencies of New Mexico high school and college graduates, and grade inflation and the loss of academic rigor have devalued many higher education degrees; and

     WHEREAS, the delivery of educational services in New Mexico is fragmented. To wit, early childhood services, including child care and pre-kindergarten, are mostly private and overseen by the children, youth and families department; public schools are overseen by local elected school boards with a great deal of control given by the legislature to the public education department; state higher education institutes are governed by separate, powerful boards of regents; and independent community colleges are overseen by their own governing boards; and

     WHEREAS, it is vital that New Mexico have a coordinated educational system that begins at the beginning and carries through to graduate school and beyond: parents must know how to encourage curiosity and learning at home; preschool and kindergarten programs must ensure that children are ready to learn as they enter elementary school; students in elementary school must be taught the key foundation skills in reading and mathematics to ensure success in middle and high school; high school students must have adequate learning options to accomplish their aspirations for a trade or higher education; and higher education must instill in students a love of lifelong learning as it prepares them for careers in today's demanding world; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexicans cannot afford to sacrifice time, money or their children's future on failure and remediation at every step of the educational process;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be requested to appoint a task force that includes the secretaries of children, youth and families, public education and higher education to study and design options for better coordination and integration of all parts of the educational system and that builds accountability into learning from the beginning; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force consider a budget and distribution system that is predictable, that invests in educational results and that encourages the system to work in an integrated manner in support of early childhood learners and students; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force examine necessary improvements to ensure effective information sharing between all educational institutions for the purpose of better targeted instruction; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force report its findings and recommendations to the governor and the legislature by December 15, 2011; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and the secretaries of children, youth and families, public education and higher education.

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