SENATE BILL 971

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2007

INTRODUCED BY

Pete Campos

AN ACT

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO CONTRACT FOR THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF CURRICULA FOR A VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS IN NEW MEXICO.

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

     Section 1. APPROPRIATION.--

          A. Six million dollars ($6,000,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the public education department for expenditure in fiscal year 2008 to contract with a nonprofit organization for the design, development and implementation of a project-based, story-centered and learn-by-doing curricula. The curricula will be supported by real-time mentoring from career-field experts for delivery through a virtual high school for students in New Mexico.

          B. The request for proposals issued by the public education department shall include provisions that require respondents to design curricula that:

                (1) enhance career skills, critical thinking skills, communication skills and college preparedness and, upon completion, enable students to be immediately capable of performing useful work in the field addressed by the curricula;

                (2) use simulated professional experiences that create realistic workplace situations, stimulating student interest in science and technology and encouraging students to pursue further studies in those fields;

                (3) will be available for local or remote participation by students working together in teams mentored by teachers and professionals on a web site controlled by the state of New Mexico; and

                (4) will provide for professional development in mentoring methods and techniques for New Mexico teachers and real-time career-field mentors. 

          C. Respondents to the request for proposals will also assist the legislative education study committee with development of a virtual high school for delivering the curricula to students.

           D. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2008 shall revert to the general fund.

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