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F I S C A L   I M P A C T   R E P O R T

 

 

 

SPONSOR:

Williams, Stapleton

 

DATE TYPED:

03/03/03

 

HB

305

 

SHORT TITLE:

Next-Step Plans for High School Students

 

SB

 

 

 

ANALYST:

Segura

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY03

FY04

FY03

FY04   *

 

 

 

N/A

 

Indeterminate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*See Fiscal Impact Summary

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 

State Department of Education (SDE)

 

SUMMARY

 

     Synopsis of Bill

 

House Bill 305 amends the Public School Code, Subsection E of Section 22-2-8.4 NMSA 1978, Graduation Requirements.

 

     Significant Issues

 

The bill would require all students to complete and file a final next-step plan as a condition for receiving a high school diploma.  Currently, all students entering high school are required to prepare a four-year plan for grades 9-12. In these plans, students indicate an interest in postsecondary education, employment, military service or other potential careers.

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

According to SDE, school districts will be required to expend funds to develop the infrastructures for meeting the final next-step plan requirement for all students. This will include costs associated with counseling and guidance, data collection, reporting, monitoring and implementation of student plans.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

 

The department indicates that an increase in workload would be required by school counselors and other school officials.

 

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

 

Several new districts are implementing Career Pathways/Career Academies that provide a focused program of study for individual students to prepare for continuing postsecondary education or for receiving certification in their chosen pathway.

 

RMS/yr