MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR SCHOOL-BASED ARTS EDUCATION PILOT PROGRAMS.

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

Section 1. APPROPRIATION.--Two million dollars ($2,000,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the state department of public education for expenditure in fiscal years 2000 and 2001 for the purpose of supporting the development, implementation and evaluation of school-based performing and visual arts education programs in elementary schools. The appropriation shall be distributed by the state department of public education to local school districts for up to twenty school-based programs. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2001 shall revert to the general fund.

Section 2. APPLICATION PROCESS FOR PILOT PROGRAM.--

A. The state department of public education, in collaboration with the arts division of the office of cultural affairs, shall establish a process for schools to apply for a school-based performing and visual arts education pilot program. The application shall include the following options:

(1) direct instruction, including personnel;

(2) professional development for elementary teachers to explore arts integration methodologies;

(3) curriculum development; and

(4) community partnerships.

B. Each applicant shall perform a results-based evaluation. The pilot programs shall implement the state board of education's content standards and benchmarks for the visual and performing arts.

HB 529

Page 2