New Mexico Register / Volume XXXII, Issue 20 / October 26, 2021

 

 

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING

 

Public Hearing.  The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) gives notice that it will conduct a public hearing on Monday, November 29, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (MDT) in Mabry Hall, located in the Jerry Apodaca Education Building, 300 Don Gaspar Ave., Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501. The location of the public hearing is subject to change due to concerns surrounding COVID-19 and in accordance with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Executive Order 2021-049, Renewing the State of Public Health Emergency Initially Declared in Executive Order 2020-004, Other Powers Invoked in That Order, and All Other Orders and Directives Contained in Executive Orders Tied to the Ongoing Public Health Emergency; or with any executive order that supersedes Executive Order 2021-049. Continuous updates on hearing changes and Zoom information will be provided on the PED website. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public input on the proposed new rule, 6.64.20 NMAC, Competencies for Secondary Computer Science Teachers. 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 concerning the rule changes. Written comment will also be accepted at the hearing.

 

Explanation of Purpose of Text

 

The purpose of new rule 6.64.20 NMAC, Competencies for Secondary Computer Science Teachers, is to establish pathways and competencies for secondary teachers to earn an endorsement in computer science, supporting effective computer science instruction in seventh grade through 12th grade. The rule is proposed to comport with Section 22-10A-6 NMSA 1978, being Laws 2021, Chapter 102.

 

Summary of Text

 

The proposed new rule, 6.64.20 NMAC, Competencies for Secondary Computer Science Teachers, establishes pathways for secondary teachers to receive an endorsement in computer science. In addition to completing an endorsement pathway, secondary computer science specialists are expected to demonstrate mastery of (1) computer science knowledge and skills, (2) equitable and inclusive learning environments, (3) personal growth and identity, and (4) designing learning experiences. The competencies were authored in alignment with the New Mexico content standards and benchmarks for computer science and the national standards of the Computer Science Teachers’ Association.

 

Statutory Authorization(s):

 

Sections 22-2-1, 22-2-2, and 22-10A-6 NMSA 1978.

 

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

 

Public Comment.  Interested parties may provide comment at the public hearing or may submit written comments by mail to John Sena, Policy Division, New Mexico Public Education Department, 300 Don Gaspar Avenue, Room 121, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501, by electronic mail to rule.feedback@state.nm.us, or by fax to (505) 827-6520.  Written comments must be received no later than 5 p.m. (MDT) on Monday, November 29, 2021.  The PED encourages the early submission of written comments.  The public comment period is from Tuesday, October 26, 2021 to Monday, November 29, 2021 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 rules 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 John Sena at (505) 570-7816 during regular business hours.
 
Individuals with disabilities who require the above information in an alternative format or need any form of auxiliary aid to attend or participate in the public hearing are asked to contact John Sena at (505) 570-7816 as soon as possible before the date set for the public hearing.  The PED requires at least 10 calendar days advance notice to provide any special accommodations requested.