44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

REQUESTING THAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION ENCOURAGE THE USE OF PHONICS IN READING IN PRE-KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE FIVE IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

WHEREAS, it is of great importance that children in primary grades learn basic reading skills; and

WHEREAS, there is a great desire to improve the educational system in the state; and

WHEREAS, it is important to ensure that all students are taught to read by using systematic phonics instruction in pre-kindergarten through grade five; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary to keep a record of a student's competencies to understand what is mastered by the student;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state department of public education encourage that students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through grade five be taught using phonics in order to ensure that they learn to read and write proficiently; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the state department of public education and the legislative education study committee.