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.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates House Bill 142

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Commission for Higher Education (CHE)

CHE Files - Special Funding Requests Submitted by NMSU

State Department of Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 53 appropriates $500.0 to New Mexico State University (NMSU) for the College of Education's teacher preparation initiative. Funds will be used to hire eight teachers from local school districts to teach instructional methods, supervise field experiences and student teachers, to provide induction support for new teachers, on-site teacher preparation programs, and working with educational faculty on program reform.

Significant Issues

This proposal was ranked #5 out of 12 in the Research and Public Service funding requests that were submitted to the Commission on Higher Education (CHE) by NMSU. This project relates to New Mexico's Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant, which is to assure an adequate supply of qualified, certified K-12 teachers in New Mexico. Implementation of this model would further strengthen the partnership between higher education and public schools and could positively impact teacher supply and retention. The CHE did not recommend this program for funding due to limited fiscal resources and other pressing needs.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $500.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY02 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPACT

According to the CHE, 8.0 FTE will be required to develop and implement this project. The program would be administered through NMSU.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

Senate Bill 53 duplicates House Bill 142.

This bill relates to several other bills that focus on teacher enhancement. House Bill 47 would develop a statewide mentoring program for beginning teachers. House Bill 39 relates to improving assessment of teacher preparation programs and House Bill 25 would provide scholarships to Student Teachers.