SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 20

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2018

INTRODUCED BY

Linda M. Lopez

 

 

 

 

 

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TASK FORCE OF COMMUNITY, ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PARTNERS TO IDENTIFY THE NEXT STEPS REQUIRED TO DEVELOP ETHNIC STUDIES CURRICULA IN VOLUNTEER SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

 

     WHEREAS, approximately one-fourth of New Mexico's population is under eighteen years of age; and

     WHEREAS, approximately seventy-six percent of New Mexico's public school students are students of color; and

     WHEREAS, these students and their families from diverse populations bring rich history and heritage to New Mexico's public schools; and

     WHEREAS, ethnic studies builds on the legacies of past teachers and scholars from New Mexico, such as George I. Sanchez and other courageous individuals, whose teachings of New Mexico's rich culture and history continue to inspire curricula and research regarding ethnic studies; and

     WHEREAS, community organizations and coalitions have over decades built a strong support of ethnic studies in the public schools; and

     WHEREAS, school board members and administrators in some of the largest and smallest school districts in New Mexico strongly support the development and teaching of ethnic studies in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, these same school districts are voicing the need for support from the community and the state for developing ethnic studies curricula, teacher licensure and professional development; and

     WHEREAS, university ethnic studies faculty are developing dual credit classes already attended by hundreds of high school students who go on to enroll and graduate from institutions of higher education; and

     WHEREAS, we are the seeds, a community coalition focused on ethnic studies, organized annual statewide gatherings and provided space for students, faculty, administrators and community members to provide testimony on the powerful impact of ethnic studies on their lives; and

     WHEREAS, a gathering of New Mexico education and community leaders from across ethnic groups convened at dual language education of New Mexico's international la cosecha conference and committed to support, develop and teach ethnic studies in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, Article 12 of the constitution of New Mexico promises to provide educational opportunities to all of New Mexico's students, which New Mexico cannot do if educators, administrators and students are not cognizant of cultural, linguistic and other richness among New Mexico families; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico routinely ranks at the bottom nationally on student performance measures; and

     WHEREAS, less than twenty percent of students meet expectations in math, and less than thirty percent of students meet expectations in English, according to the most recent partnership for assessment of readiness for college and careers test results; and

     WHEREAS approximately one in three students does not graduate from high school; and

     WHEREAS, all students can learn and succeed, yet achievement and graduation rates are even lower for New Mexico's most vulnerable populations and economically disadvantaged students, English language learner students, Native American students and students with disabilities; and

     WHEREAS, only fourteen and one-half percent of economically disadvantaged students and five percent of English language learner students meet expectations in math; and

     WHEREAS, ethnic studies benefits students in observable ways, such as students becoming more academically engaged, increasing their performance on academic tests, improving their graduation rates and developing a strong sense of self and personal empowerment; and

     WHEREAS, the use of ethnic studies curricula has dramatically raised both achievement and graduation rates when taught in neighboring states; and

     WHEREAS, ethnic studies courses with the goal of preparing students to be global citizens, with an appreciation for the contributions of multiple cultures, will close the achievement gap, reduce student truancy, increase student enrollment, reduce dropout rates and increase graduation rates;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislative education study committee, the public education department and the university of New Mexico college of education convene a task force to study and identify the next steps in developing ethnic studies curricula in volunteer school districts across New Mexico, including the development of department-approved academic standards; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force include one or more representatives from each of the following:

          A. university and public school ethnic studies programs;

          B. we are the seeds and partner organizations;

          C. the colleges of education and institutions of teacher preparation;

          D. the office on African American affairs;

          E. the Indian affairs department;

          F. the all pueblo council of governors;

          G. engaging Latino communities in education;

          H. public school representatives, particularly from urban and rural and small, medium and large school districts;

          I. the public education department Hispanic education liaison;

          J. the director of the Indian education division of the public education department;

          K. the director of the language and culture bureau of the public education department;

          L. teacher unions;

          M. dual language education of New Mexico or other professional organizations for teachers; and

          N. other organizations or persons whose work or interests can provide valuable insights into the benefits and costs of ethnic studies; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force report its findings and recommendations to the legislative education study committee by November 1, 2018; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the chair of the legislative education study committee; the secretary of public education; the dean of the university of New Mexico college of education; the public education department for distribution to all department offices; state agencies and organizations mentioned in this memorial; and others the public education department believes would be interested in the task force and its charge.

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