Review:

NM Legislative Education Bills, 2012

Typically in NM, the legislative sessions vary from year to year. Everyother year is a "short" year lasting 30 days that traditionally concentrates on finance. While the longer sessions of 60 days are more broad in context.

Although the 2012 year has been a short year, several improtant education bills were introduced that impact student 3rd grade retension, teacher evaluations, and teacher retirement.

In addition, several national trends in education include increased charter school focus, merit pay and common core standards for math and reading. However, many of these trends are resulting in policy that leaves teachers out of the discussion.  Drastic measures should have thoughtfully applied procedures to take into consideration the 65% of teachers not directly tested in math and literacy including K,1,2 and other subject K-12, including, but not limited to, the arts.

Good teachers want accountability through feedback and guidance, but relevant and reliable data is at the core of that reform. Regardless of your opinion on the matter, you should contact your legislature and let them know how you feel at anytime during the calendar year. 

Website: www.nmlegi.gov, then upper left "Member," then "Find Your Legislator," and copy their email into your personal account and reply your opinion.