HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

HOUSE BILL 258

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2014

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC EDUCATION; PROVIDING FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS TEACHERS.

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

     SECTION 1. Section 22-15E-1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2007, Chapter 44, Section 1 and Laws 2007, Chapter 239, Section 1) is amended to read:

     "22-15E-1. SHORT TITLE.--[This act] Chapter 22, Article 15E NMSA 1978 may be cited as the "Mathematics and Science Education Act"."

     SECTION 2. A new section of the Mathematics and Science Education Act is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS--ELIGIBLE ENTITIES--ALLOCATION PROCESS--REPORT.--

          A. As used in this section, "eligible entities" are public schools, school districts, charter schools, post-secondary educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, tribal organizations or coalitions of such entities.

          B. The department shall provide a process whereby eligible entities may apply for and receive grants from the mathematics and science proficiency fund to provide professional development for mathematics and science teachers. The process shall include considering the recommendations of the council for a professional development framework and grant selection criteria and evaluation and reporting requirements. Reporting requirements shall include a mechanism to gauge effectiveness of the grants measured over time.

          C. In developing its recommendations for a framework and selection criteria and evaluation and reporting requirements, the council shall consult with the New Mexico partnership for math and science.

          D. The department shall report to the legislative education study committee by December 2015 on the progress of the professional development framework and grant process and shall report each year on grant applications and award recipients as provided in Section 22-15E-6 NMSA 1978."

     SECTION 3. Section 22-15E-5 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2007, Chapter 44, Section 5 and Laws 2007, Chapter 239, Section 5) is amended to read:

     "22-15E-5. 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 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. in consultation with the New Mexico partnership for math and science education, make recommendations to the department for the development of criteria, process and evaluation for the granting of awards from the mathematics and science proficiency fund to promote professional development for mathematics and science teachers as specified in Subsection B of Section 22-15E-6 NMSA 1978;

          F. make recommendations to the department in evaluating and ranking the submitted grant applications;

          G. produce an annual report no later than November 1 of each year. The annual report shall include the department's progress on the development of the grant process, the number of applications received and the awards granted for the professional development of mathematics and science teachers, including the annual reports mandated by Subsection C of Section 22-15E-6 NMSA 1978; and

          [E.] H. 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."

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