A JOINT MEMORIAL

PROCLAIMING JANUARY 29, 2003 AS "STRENGTHENING QUALITY IN SCHOOLS DAY" IN THE LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, the governor's business executives in education program was established in 1991 and has led the strengthening quality in schools initiative; and

WHEREAS, the mission of the strengthening quality in schools initiative is to accelerate the improvement of student achievement and education system performance in

New Mexico schools by promoting the Baldrige criteria and quality concepts as the basis for an integrated education system; and

WHEREAS, the program has involved over three hundred schools statewide, and New Mexico is one of six states involved in the pilot program under the Baldrige in education national initiative; and

WHEREAS, the program supports the Gates foundation challenge grant, which is training all superintendents and principals in the state; and

WHEREAS, the program is part of a national effort to transform education using the Baldrige criteria as a framework for restructuring education and improving student achievement;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that January 29, 2003 be proclaimed "Strengthening Quality in Schools Day" at the legislature; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the superintendent of public instruction.