SENATE BILL 617

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019

INTRODUCED BY

Linda M. Lopez

 

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC EDUCATION; REQUIRING FAMILY ENGAGEMENT.

 

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

     SECTION 1. A new section of the Public School Code is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] FAMILY ENGAGEMENT.--All public schools shall:

          A. provide education that is equitable for all students by developing a system that actively engages with all families and provides the necessary support to teachers in each public school to establish an effective academic environment that supports the success of each student;

          B. collaborate with family and community members;

          C. diligently adhere to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act integration mandates to serve all students in the most integrated setting appropriate and strive to ensure that students with disabilities are enrolled in age-appropriate general education classrooms in their home schools, unless the student's individualized education plan requires some other arrangement that has been developed with well-informed parent or caregiver input;

          D. model shared resources by engaging the expertise existing within community organizations to assist in information sharing and capacity building;

          E. diligently seek to educate families and students with disabilities of their rights, responsibilities and procedural safeguards in relation to special education;

          F. provide clarity regarding the academic and social-emotional needs of students as well as the need to increase the number of parents and other family members engaged in their children's education;

          G. ensure that family and community members experience safety, comfort and respect when they visit a public school; and

          H. handle family or community questions and concerns professionally and ethically and respond with respectful treatment of family and community members."

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