NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

*The appropriation may be expended during three fiscal years: 2000, 2001 and 2003

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC files and SDE

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 254 directs that SDE establish a three-year pilot project in the McKinley County school district to provide training for teachers to enable them to support English language skills development for students who not proficient in English. The bill appropriates $200.0 from the general fund to SDE for this project and requires that a report be submitted to the appropriate legislative committees by September 1, 2001, and to the Legislature, the State Board of Education and the Governor by December 1, 2002.

The report is to include the evaluation of the project and recommendations for continuation or expansion of the project.

Significant Issues

In 1993, the Gallup-McKinley school district was cited for non-compliance by the Office of Civil Rights due to the lack of teachers who lacked the necessary training to provide alternative language services to limited English proficient students (LEP). According to SDE, "the district has submitted a staff development plan that was accepted by the OCR for this area of non-compliance that included preparing sufficient numbers of teachers endorsed in Bilingual Education and English as a second language (ESL)." Funding for this pilot project is intended to provide some of training required in the plan.

The SDE also reports that the district has identified 4,913 LEP students in the district and 745 are in a state-funded bilingual program. Professional development activities are being conducted to increase the number of teachers who are trained and certified to deal with LEP students.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The $200.0 general fund appropriation may e expended during fiscal years 2000,2001 and 2002. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2002 shall revert tot he general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

SDE can implement the pilot project with existing staff from the Bilingual Multicultural Education Unit.

LB/njw