New Mexico Register / Volume XXIX, Issue 10 / May 29, 2018

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING

Public Hearing. The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) gives notice that it will conduct a public hearing in Mabry Hall located at the Jerry Apodaca Education Building, 300 Don Gaspar Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501, on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (MDT). The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public input on the proposed repeal of 6.19.7 NMAC, High School Readiness Assessment System for Career and College to be replaced by 6.19.7 NMAC, Demonstration of Competency for High School Graduation. At the hearing, the PED will provide a verbal summary statement on record. Attendees who wish to provide public comment on record will be given three (3) minutes to make a statement regarding the rule changes. Written comment will also be accepted at the hearing.

Explanation of Purpose and Summary of Text. The purpose of the proposed rule change is to establish pathways for demonstrating competency in mathematics, reading, writing, science, and social studies for high school graduation. Establishing such pathways will help ensure that high students are college and career ready and that every student in New Mexico is given the opportunity to earn a meaningful high school diploma. The proposed rule defines eligibility requirements, establishes appropriate assessment options, and outlines requirements for standards-based portfolios. Additionally, the proposed rule will address which indicators the PED will approve as demonstrations of competency for high school graduation and establish data reporting requirements.

This rule shall apply to public schools, state educational institutions, and state agencies enrolling high school students except for institutions of higher education and the New Mexico military institute. The rule would be effective July 24, 2018 and will indicate to which graduating class it will apply.

Statutory Authorizations:

Sections 22-2-1, 22-2-2, 22-2C-4.1, and 22-13-1.1 NMSA 1978

No technical information served as a basis for this proposed rule change.

Stakeholder Engagement and Tribal Consultation. Stakeholder engagement and tribal consultation regarding this proposed rule change began in the fall of 2016. Multiple working groups and presentations provided opportunities for feedback on rule language and the overall policy. Stakeholders included: tribal leaders, legislators, Legislative Educations Study Committee staff, district leaders, school leaders, teachers, parents, and various advocacy organizations.

Public Comment. Interested parties may provide comment at the public hearing or may submit written comments by mail to Jamie Gonzales, Policy Division, New Mexico Public Education Department, 300 Don Gaspar Avenue, Room 101, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501, by electronic mail to rule.feedback@state.nm.us, or by fax to (505) 827-6681. All written comments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. (MDT) on Tuesday, July 3, 2018. The PED encourages the early submission of written comments. The public comment period is from May 29, 2018 to July 3, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. (MDT). The PED will review all feedback received during the public comment period and issue communication regarding a final decision at a later date.

Copies of the proposed rule may be accessed through the page titled, “Rule Notification,” on the PED's website at http://webnew.ped.state.nm.us/bureaus/policy-innovation-measurement/rule-notification/, or may be obtained from Jamie Gonzales at (505) 827-7889 during regular business hours.

Individuals with disabilities who require the above information in an alternative format, or who need any form of auxiliary aid to attend or participate in the public hearing are asked to contact Jamie Gonzales at (505) 827-7889 as soon as possible before the date set for the public hearing. The PED requires at least ten (10) calendar days advance notice to provide any special accommodations requested.