REQUESTING THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION IN COOPERATION WITH THE LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION STUDY COMMITTEE TO STUDY EARLY INTERVENTION READING TECHNIQUES AND PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATIONS OF SUCH TECHNIQUES THAT FOCUS ON IMPROVING STUDENT READING SKILLS AND RECOMMEND ITS FINDINGS TO THE LEGISLATURE PRIOR TO THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

WHEREAS, the development of successful reading skills in the early grades is critical for future success in school; and

WHEREAS, all children should learn to develop effective reading and writing skills; and

WHEREAS, lack of the development of reading and writing literacy skills by the end of third grade is a contributing factor to school dropout; and

WHEREAS, an abundance of research has been recently published on effective reading techniques that are designed to intervene before the cycle of failure begins; and

WHEREAS, the need exists to provide early intervention and assist school children through programs, such as the reading recovery program, when they are in need of reading assistance; and

WHEREAS, the need exists to implement strategies assisting parents in supporting their children's reading needs; and

WHEREAS, the need exists to develop specific college curricula to include courses on effective reading instructional methods; and

WHEREAS, professional development courses should be developed and provided to train teachers on how to effectively teach reading techniques in the classroom; and

WHEREAS, many reading programs have been implemented throughout the state without a systematic coordinated statewide approach to implementation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state department of public education, in cooperation with the legislative education study committee, examine the reading recovery program and other similar programs that focus on reading techniques to assist in the teaching of students who have difficulty reading; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study examine the teacher preparation, ongoing professional development and other elements necessary for program implementation, including costs, of these reading programs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a report of the findings and recommendations of this study be presented to the legislature by November 2000; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to members of the legislative education study committee, the superintendent of public instruction, members of the state board of education, members of the local school boards, superintendents of the local school districts and deans of the colleges of education at all higher educational institutions in the state.