SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 3
54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019
INTRODUCED BY
Clemente Sanchez
A JOINT MEMORIAL
REQUESTING THE SECRETARY OF PUBLIC EDUCATION TO EXPLORE METHODS TO REINSTATE AND SUPPORT MIDDLE SCHOOL FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES PROGRAMS.
WHEREAS, family and consumer sciences education is a field of study that focuses on families, work and their interrelationships; and
WHEREAS, New Mexico family and consumer sciences educators foster creativity in students and teach them to work effectively in teams to solve personal, family, community and real-world issues; and
WHEREAS, those educators engage students in relevant, hands-on strategies and reinforce principles of planning, managing and research; and
WHEREAS, family and consumer sciences courses encourage students to act responsibly and productively and become contributing members of society; and
WHEREAS, middle school family and consumer sciences curricula are designed to address current and extremely pressing issues that affect the well-being of New Mexico's children; and
WHEREAS, New Mexico family and consumer sciences educators actively promote and develop science, computer literacy, engineering and mathematics literacy skills in youth, including critical thinking, reasoning and problem solving; and
WHEREAS, middle school family and consumer sciences programs enhance a student's knowledge in science with components focused on the global environment, food and nutritional sciences, safety and sanitation for cleaner environments and instruction on food borne illnesses; and
WHEREAS, middle school family and consumer sciences programs include computer literacy components focused on the use of computer-enhanced kitchen equipment, use of high-technology machines, computer presentations and other technology applications; and
WHEREAS, those programs also include engineering components involving interior design, home and kitchen design, textile design and manufacturing and product development and packaging; and
WHEREAS, the programs include mathematics components, including food weight and measurement, personal finances and fitness, family budgeting and taxes and algebra and geometry in fashion design; and
WHEREAS, middle school family and consumer sciences programs teach career exploration skills, including leadership, employability, team building, communication and time management skills; and
WHEREAS, middle schools with family and consumer sciences programs prepare young adults for healthy, sustainable and successful careers; and
WHEREAS, those programs are important in helping students build a strong foundation for employability, healthy relationships and vital life skills;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the public education department be requested to explore methods to reinstate and support middle school family and consumer sciences programs in New Mexico; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public education department be encouraged to inform superintendents and middle school principals of the necessity for these programs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that by December 1, 2019, the secretary of public education be requested to report to the legislative education study committee recommendations to reinforce and support middle school family and consumer science programs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of public education, the board of directors of the New Mexico association of family and consumer sciences and the New Mexico school superintendents' association.
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