Video & Transcript : 'teaching standards' :
Page 82 of 500
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Juvenile Justice Oversight Council. (2-6-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:16:17.519><c> those</c> should streamline and standardize those should streamline and standardize
- We to the same standards of discipline.
- </c><01:27:02.400><c> of</c> would not have two standards of would not have two standards of discipline
- and senior another standard of juniors and senior another standard of discipline<01:27:08.880><c> for
- </c> to the same standard of discipline. to the same standard of discipline.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Agency Updates: 00:01:45
26RS SB 125: 00:02:10
26RS SB 101: 01:14:58, 958, all
Summary:
The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council met on February 6, 2026, took roll, approved a motion to convene, and heard agency updates from materials in the packet. The council then took up Senate Bill 125 out of order because Senator Carol was present. The bill was presented as a collaborative effort focused on creating a secure, state-run high-acuity mental health facility for justice-involved youth who need specialized psychiatric care and cannot be appropriately served in detention or by private hospitals. Speakers said the facility would fill a gap in services, improve safety and treatment outcomes, and be designed with trauma-informed, medically equipped spaces rather than a jail-like setting.
The presenters also outlined other parts of the bill, including a placement process in which DJJ and CHFS would evaluate youth and provide recommendations before the judge makes the final decision, with certain hospital-declination provisions to be delayed until the new facility is operating. They described payment incentives for hospitals treating high-acuity youth, confidentiality and escape-related disclosure provisions, and contracts with a public teaching university for clinical services. The proposed facility was described as a 24-bed center at Central State, with staffing to include mental health professionals and juvenile detention staff receiving enhanced training. Dr. Clark Lester said staffing needs would vary by youth and could include one-to-one supervision for some patients.
The bill also addressed female juvenile detention capacity. Speakers said the number of detained girls has risen sharply since 2024, peaking at 51 in 2025, and that current facilities cannot meet the separation requirements for boys and girls or high- and low-level youth. The proposal would build two female detention centers, with possible locations discussed in central Kentucky and western Kentucky, and a third or fourth center could be added if population data show the need. Members asked about hospital placement authority, staffing, and average length of stay for girls; the presenters said the current court-order process would remain until the new facility is built and that they would provide additional data later. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- The district has management standards.
- ><c> pretty</c> 18-month standard seems pretty 18-month standard seems pretty reasonable<00:12:15.839
- Additionally,<01:12:08.880><c> standardized</c><01:12:09.600><c> disclosure</c> Additionally, standardized
- Not the schoolboard, not the to teach.
- </c> how to teach. how to teach.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 14th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That teaching drove Jewish Americans to the front lines of the civil rights movement.
- A.J.R. 31 calls on Congress to restore preclearance, codify a results-based standard under Section 2,
- In fact, I'm teaching some of the same things from reading Clifford to reading some of the stories that
- all day. ...to the teachers that teach all day, to recognize those teachers and to know that to be a
- This bill standardizes the personal importation limit for alcoholic beverages to six liters every 31
Summary:
The Assembly convened after initially lacking a quorum, then completed the prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, journal motions, and a long series of procedural actions, including suspending rules to move bills and approve a large Appropriations Committee hearing list. Members also made several guest introductions, including Shannon Lee, district staff from Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez’s office, and later guests tied to agritourism and education recognitions.
The floor debate centered heavily on AJR 31, a resolution urging Congress to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Supporters argued that recent Supreme Court decisions and redistricting efforts in other states were weakening Black and other minority representation and that California should take a clear stand for voting rights. Opponents argued the measure promoted racial division, conflicted with equal protection principles, and that districts should be drawn based on place or communities of interest rather than race. After a contentious debate with repeated parliamentary warnings over decorum, the Assembly suspended the rules to take up the resolution, added coauthors, and passed AJR 31 by a vote of 58-8.
The Assembly then moved through a series of bills and resolutions, generally approving them with little or no opposition. These included AB 2341 clarifying emergency language translation rules for local agencies; AB 1816 extending court supervision for certain sex-offender rehabilitation programs; AB 2561 protecting consumer privacy settings on phones and digital devices; ACR 167 recognizing World Agritourism Day; ACR 190 recognizing California Day of the Teacher; AB 1581 improving identification of Native American students in public schools; AB 1586 requiring opioid overdose prevention training for school resource officers and safety planning; AB 1665 requiring mental health training for school coaches; AB 1693 streamlining retail tenant-improvement permitting; AB 1768 authorizing a local tax measure related to health funding; AB 1712 facilitating a water-system sale for Santa Fe Springs; AB 1792 addressing sexually exploitive AI imagery in health education; and AB 1822 prioritizing school projects that address extreme heat. Most measures passed overwhelmingly, several unanimously, and the resolution on agritourism and the teacher day were adopted by voice vote.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- And as for your concerns about visibility and stuff, some of the things we teach motorcyclists is you
- And as for your concerns about visibility and stuff, some of the things we teach motorcyclist is you
- His training is teaching people how to be safe on motorcycles.
- His training is teaching people how to be safe on motorcycles.
- Any comments by such an agency on the permit would have to be based on objective written standards.
Keywords:
motorcycle safety, right shoulder, shoulder riding, limited access roadway, freeway, expressway, highway congestion, lane splitting, traffic safety, RCW, Washington traffic law, roadside assistance, emergency vehicles, tow truck, congested traffic, motorcyclist, route jurisdiction, abandonment, transportation, local governance
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Apr 13th, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- action to ensure chargers meet the required standards.
- These are not just state standards.
- These are not just state standards; they're actually nationally adopted uniform standards.
- California is the gold standard of training for security.
- The industry is proud of its standards and training.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 936 on nitrous oxide sales. Senator Blakespear and supporters, including Orange and Humboldt County supervisors and public safety, medical, waste, and local government groups, argued the bill would curb youth misuse, impaired driving, and hazardous waste by prohibiting retail sale of nitrous oxide canisters larger than eight grams while preserving legitimate uses. There was no lead opposition testimony, though members raised questions about enforcement and existing regulatory agencies. The committee ultimately moved the bill on a due pass basis to Senate Appropriations, with broad support and no recorded opposition at the time of the vote.
Members also heard SB 1312 on abandoned cemeteries and SB 1340 on small business contracting transparency. SB 1312 would use the existing cemetery workgroup process to develop recommendations for addressing abandoned cemeteries, with the author and the Cemetery and Mortuary Association describing vandalism, theft, and inadequate endowment funds as ongoing problems. SB 1340 would require state agencies to report more detailed small business contracting information, including actual payments, to the Office of the Small Business Advocate; the Controller’s office supported the measure as a way to improve accountability and help small businesses compete for state work. Both bills were moved forward on due pass motions to Senate Appropriations.
The committee also considered SB 903 on artificial intelligence in mental health care, SB 1271 on midwifery preceptor data, and SB 1327 on EV charger accuracy oversight. SB 903 drew strong support from mental health and professional groups that said AI should not replace licensed clinicians, while medical and technology groups opposed it unless amended, warning the definitions were too broad and could hinder beneficial tools and research; the author said the bill was meant to keep a human clinician in the loop and allow administrative uses with consent. SB 1271 was supported by midwives and birth workers who said California needs better data on preceptor capacity to expand training and address maternity care deserts; it advanced to Senate Health. SB 1327 would shift EV charger accuracy oversight from CDFA’s weights and measures division to the California Energy Commission; supporters said this would modernize and standardize enforcement, while county sealers and others opposed the shift as unnecessary, costly, and potentially weakening consumer protections. SB 1327 passed on a divided vote to Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications. Several bills were held on call after votes, and the committee established quorum before taking formal actions.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Business and Professions and Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But they do develop these standardized procedures.
- We have a minimum licensing standard.
- Licensing standard.
- We ensure that they meet the same standards.
- Standards of practice and professional conduct.
Summary:
The joint Assembly and Senate Business and Professions sunset oversight hearing focused first on the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), with committee chairs emphasizing oversight, consumer protection, workforce access, and economic mobility. BRN leaders reported improvements since the last review, including faster licensing timelines, streamlined enforcement, higher consumer satisfaction, growth in pre-licensure enrollment, and expanded data collection. Members questioned the board about nurse practitioner scope and supervision, international and military pathways to licensure, online nursing education and clinical requirements, rural workforce shortages, and the 30-unit LVN-to-RN option. BRN staff explained California’s tiered advanced practice system, the NCLEX and certification requirements, English proficiency rules, clinical hour standards, and the board’s role in approving programs and supporting schools through nursing education consultants. Several members and the board president also discussed the need to retain new graduates, improve diversity in the workforce, and better support nontraditional students and rural placements.
Public comment on the BRN sunset review was extensive and largely supportive of the board, while also urging policy changes. Nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and nursing education groups generally supported the BRN report and especially backed clarification of APRN-to-RN delegation authority under issue 13. Other commenters asked for clearer implementation of AB 890, more flexibility for clinical nurse specialists, streamlined renewals for nurse midwives, and changes to federal loan limits affecting graduate nursing education. Higher education representatives and private nursing schools raised concerns about duplicative BRN documentation, clinical placement bottlenecks, and barriers faced by out-of-state and online programs seeking to serve California students. The California Medical Association and some physician groups opposed easing transition-to-practice requirements for out-of-state nurse practitioners and cautioned against changes to specialty and delegation rules, while the California Nurses Association and others stressed the importance of community college pathways, new graduate support, and workforce retention.
The hearing then moved to the Physical Therapy Board of California. Board leadership reported that the board oversees more than 41,000 active licensees, has seen about 15% growth since 2021, and continues to maintain high exam pass rates among California physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs. The board described its mission as consumer protection through licensing, enforcement, continuing competency oversight, and stakeholder engagement. The vice president’s remote testimony encountered technical problems, so the executive officer continued with a brief overview of the board’s work and its commitment to efficient service and public protection. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- They teach you how to use scuba equipment.
- out of air, you panic, so it teaches you those skills, right?
- ><c> your</c> equipment they teach you how if your equipment they teach you how if your respirator<01
- </c><01:20:48.679><c> a</c> they are besides knowing how to teach a they are besides knowing how to teach
- of</c> there's a standard standard uh bit of there's a standard standard uh bit of equipment<01:21:14.560
Keywords:
commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF1469, Minnesota, workforce development, job training, job skills training, reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, ex-offenders, inmates, recently released inmates, felony conviction, felony-level offense, corrections, prison release
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Education Pre-K - 12 Mar 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- GIVE THE FAMILY DATA ABOUT HOW THEIR CHILD IS PERFORMING RELATIVE TO THE STANDARDS THAT WE REQUIRE THEM
- I'VE TALKED TO SENATOR SIMON OFF-LINE AND TOLD HIM THAT I BELIEVE IN STANDARDS.
- AND SOMETIMES STANDARDS ARE REALLY TOUGH. SOMETIMES THEY CAN BE HANDPIECE.
- WE HAVE A LOT OF FABULOUS YOUNG PEOPLE COMING OUT OF COLLEGE INTO TEACHING.
- A LOT OF OUR SCHOOLS, OUR DISTRICTS HAVE GONE TO JUST TEACHING TOWARDS THE TEST BECAUSE THE TEST BECOMES
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/26/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> people staff within our labor standards people staff within our labor standards unit<00:54:11.720
- Sheriff, one of the biggest expenses is getting a teacher to teach this program.
- It has to be a licensed teacher to teach these programs, so that is the bulk of the cost.
- This program has to be a licensed teacher to teach these programs, so that is the bulk of the cost.
- Now, again, with the volunteers teaching our life skills, that's not a part of that bulk of money.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 10, 2025 - 08:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- And it's just done on the standard lease agreement.
- And it's just done on the standard lease agreement.
- And it's just done on the standard lease agreement.
- Let's talk about minimum wage standards.
- I've been teaching law for— I've been teaching law for the last 30 years at Nova Southeastern University
Summary:
The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee heard and voted on four bills. HB 587 on self-storage spaces would let rental agreements include an alternate contact person and allow default notices to be published online instead of only in newspapers, while keeping existing notice timelines and servicemember protections. Newspaper and press witnesses opposed the online-notice change, arguing it could reduce public reach and transparency, especially in rural areas; the sponsor said newspapers could still be used and the bill was only adding another option. The committee adopted an amendment changing the effective date to October 1, 2025, and then reported the bill favorably 12-2.
HB 6033 would repeal the Florida Labor Pool Act. The sponsor argued the act duplicates other state and federal protections, while opponents said it contains unique safeguards for day laborers, including limits on fees, transportation charges, and deductions, and a private right of action. Testimony from labor advocates and workers warned repeal would reduce protections for vulnerable workers; the sponsor and supporters said other laws already cover the issues. The committee reported the bill favorably 11-3.
HB 897, dealing with timeshare plan management, was presented as a clarification of conflicts created by recent condominium legislation and would require faster records responses, more disclosure of contracts, and clearer remedies for mismanagement. Support came from industry groups, and the bill passed unanimously, 14-0. The final measure, PCS for HB 1385, created a civil remedy for parental abduction or unlawful withholding of a child in violation of a timesharing order. Family law attorneys opposed it over concerns about added litigation, child involvement, and overlap with existing remedies, while the sponsors and supporters said it would provide needed deterrence and compensation in serious cases. The committee adopted the PCS and reported it favorably 13-0.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Twenty Seven - Wednesday, February 25 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And upon beginning my teaching career, many of the students I had were farm kids.
- As a matter of fact, this will require him to have higher training standards.
- This will require higher standards. So, okay, humor me again.
- But we’re also requiring them to have the same training standards as a police officer.
- No, I’m telling it the way it is and you don’t want any higher standards.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by roll call vote, 102-1. Members then used points of personal privilege and special guest introductions to recognize constituents, advocacy groups, students, school officials, physical therapy advocates, domestic violence service providers, and others. One member delivered an emotional statement about the arrest of the suspect in his sister’s 26-year-old murder case, thanking law enforcement and prosecutors involved in the cold-case investigation.
The chamber then took up House Bills 2097 and 1905, a measure to expand an agriculture education pilot program into a statewide option for elementary schools. Supporters from both parties described it as a way to teach children where food comes from, connect agriculture with literacy and math, and encourage interest in farming and related careers. The House adopted the committee substitute and perfected and printed the bills. Members also considered House Bill 2167, which would codify and expand authority for Attorney General investigators and, through amendments, address House and Senate security officers and certain other state officers. Debate centered on whether the bill improperly broadened the original subject and whether it would give too much arrest power or create safety and constitutional concerns. One amendment to the amendment failed on a roll call, 62-68-1, but the House adopted the St. Charles amendment 61-43 and then perfected and printed HB 2167 as amended.
Finally, the House took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2747 and 2047, a clean-slate/automatic expungement bill. Supporters said it would give people who have completed their sentences a second chance and improve access to jobs and stability; the sponsor also explained a related change limiting death-penalty sentencing in hung-jury cases so judges would not impose death in that circumstance. The House adopted an amendment requiring expungements to be shared with consumer reporting agencies, then adopted the committee substitute and perfected and printed the bill as amended. The House also announced upcoming events and then recessed until 2 p.m.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government (2-19-26)
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- If the local government wants it at that point, there are standards and processes in place currently
- </c> readiness and public safety standards. readiness and public safety standards.
- The bill also limits standard pay scale.
- to bring those people back into the fire service, especially for small communities, and train and teach
- </c><00:32:38.080><c> those</c> communities, and train and teach those communities, and train and teach
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/10/26
State and Local Government
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Oct 6th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So I want to hear a little bit more about how our standard is the least.
- And so that's the evidentiary standard.
- that we're teaching about.
- We talk about ECHO as an all-teach, all-learn model.
- a class, and how to put together a class and teach it.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm sorry, and who's teaching in those schools.
- Who's teaching those classes? Who are the administrators running those programs?
- Teacher teaching in real time with their students.
- We really need to know what's happening, and there does need to be specific performance standards.
- I don't know how they would know, but you're doing a great job, and we want you to come teach for our
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- standardize standardize the the the uh<00:14:12.880><c> charity</c><00:14:13.200><c> care.
- can standardize as we can standardize um<00:14:55.280><c> charity</c><00:14:55.600><c> care</c><00:14
- </c> standard across the industry. Thank you. standard across the industry. Thank you.
- </c> going to be at a Minnesota teaching going to be at a Minnesota teaching hospital<01:03:36.360><c
- </c> increased investment in our teaching increased investment in our teaching hospital<01:03:44.800>
Bills:
HF4343
Keywords:
sales tax, use tax, advertising tax, taxable services, digital advertising, online marketing, marketing services, search engine marketing, lead generation, internet advertising, ad agency, media buying, campaign planning, Minnesota tax law, service tax, broadening tax base, web advertising, promotional services, 1183, house
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/6/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- did you teach, who did you teach, what did you teach.
- did you teach, who did you teach, what did you teach.
- did you teach, who did you teach, what did you teach.
- did you teach, who did you teach, what did you teach.
- did you teach, who did you teach, what did you teach.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- in Massachusetts are demanding a public education system that maintains the Commonwealth's high standards
- , that is centered on real teaching and learning, and that prepares all students to thrive.
- those inconsistencies have cost us over $1.6 million in funds that could have supported nearly 30 teaching
- As an early childhood educator in Hancock, teaching in a combined first- and second-grade classroom,
- Since coming to Warwick, my four-year-old daughter has not only met preschool standards but is reading
Summary:
The hearing focused primarily on H. 517/S. 314, a bill to provide a sustainable future for rural schools, and H. 697, a bill to require full funding of regional school transportation. Witnesses from rural districts, school committees, superintendents, students, and local officials described chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, high fixed costs, special education and transportation burdens, and the loss of programs, staff, and extracurriculars. Several speakers argued that rural aid should be funded at $60 million annually and made non-discretionary, while others emphasized that transportation reimbursement for regional districts has repeatedly fallen short of the state’s promise and is driving budget crises and overrides. A number of students testified in support of rural aid, describing cuts to classes, counselors, and activities, and the impact on their schools and communities. Committee members also discussed whether transportation policy should be revisited to address underlying cost drivers, including bus bidding practices and whether regional districts should have more flexibility in transportation requirements.
The committee also heard H. 515, concerning Hancock Elementary School and a school choice-related exemption from a state requirement that has created a large financial burden for the district. Hancock’s superintendent and Rep. John Barrett explained that a decades-old regulation, recently enforced by DESE, would require Hancock to pay tuition for choice-in students through high school graduation even though the district only serves pre-K through grade 6 and sends its own students elsewhere for middle and high school. They said the rule creates a significant per-student shortfall and has forced Hancock to opt out of school choice. Committee members asked for clarification about how the arrangement works and how the costs fall on Hancock.
Additional testimony supported related transportation bills for non-regional districts, especially Plymouth/Carver and North Middlesex, describing high and rising bus costs, special education and McKinney-Vento transportation expenses, and the strain on local budgets. Speakers repeatedly said that state reimbursement has not matched actual costs and that communities are being forced to choose between transportation and classroom services. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed the hearing on the bills discussed.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- This is the gold standard of what we want to do. We want to train workforce.
- This is the gold standard of what we want to do. We want to train workforce.
- Again, teaching was a passion for most children..." "St.
- Again, teaching was a passion for most children..."
- I could probably teach the course now.
Summary:
The House Education Committee met on March 31, 2026, and heard several bills focused largely on workforce training, student aid, and school safety. HB 325 by Rep. Brass would add successful completion of nine dual-enrollment credit hours as a third eligibility pathway for the TOPS Tech Award; after a clarifying amendment limiting the change to students graduating in the 2026-2027 school year, the bill drew broad support and was reported favorably. HB 407 by Rep. Larvadane would return the M.J. Foster Promise Program’s initial eligibility age to 21 for two years, grandfathering in current younger participants while the state addresses funding shortfalls; despite concerns about access for 18- to 20-year-olds, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill as amended on a 12-2 vote. HB 482 by Rep. Turner would loosen TOPS Tech requirements, including lowering one academic threshold, raising the age window to 25, and increasing the award amount at community and technical colleges; after an amendment expanding the affected institutions beyond LCTCS, it was reported favorably.
The committee also advanced HB 283 by Rep. Newell, which strengthens penalties and school responses for assault and battery on teachers and other school employees and expands sick-leave coverage for related medical, psychological, and rehabilitation treatment. Testimony from educators and union representatives described serious incidents of violence and fear of retaliation, while a school district attorney warned about unintended consequences for rural districts, transportation, and students with disabilities; the bill was amended to include students as protected victims and then reported with amendments. HB 448 by Rep. Adams would allow scholarships for firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty, and their spouses, to be used for graduate study rather than only a bachelor’s degree; after an amendment clarifying the scholarship could be used for bachelor’s or advanced degrees, it was reported as amended. HB 319 by Rep. Beham, a cleanup measure for the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education to improve quorum and update organizational references, was reported favorably. HB 195 by Rep. Beham, which would bar public postsecondary institutions from prohibiting students from carrying self-defense chemical spray on campus, was amended to add exceptions and then reported with amendments.
The committee also heard testimony on HCR 10 by Rep. Wilder, which asks the Louisiana High School Athletic Association to recognize dance and cheer as sanctioned sports; the sponsor said the resolution was prompted by a parent request and safety concerns, and an amendment was expected to broaden the measure. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly emphasized workforce development, dual enrollment, and the need to align education programs with labor-market demand, while also debating how to balance student access, funding limits, and school safety.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Dec 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And right now we've got five former Ed Fellows that are teaching with us.
- They can complete student teaching as an educator fellow, however.
- They can complete student teaching as an educator fellow, however.
- It's back to COVID teaching for those of you that did it.
- It's back to COVID teaching, for those of you that did it.
Summary:
The committee first heard a presentation on strategic resource management in public education. LESC staff and PED officials argued that New Mexico has increased school funding, but local budgeting and planning remain fragmented and overly compliance-driven. They described long-term pressures including declining enrollment, rising special education costs, falling cash balances, changes in federal funding, and leadership turnover, and said schools need more intentional multi-year planning tied to student outcomes. They also outlined the many disconnected planning requirements schools must complete, compared New Mexico’s current approach with Ohio’s three-year budget forecasting model, and recommended continuing multi-year appropriations, adding $2.5 million for state grants in the unified application, and directing LESC, LFC, and PED to develop a long-term financial planning proposal. PED said it is working to reduce administrative burden through school accreditation, a unified application for federal and state funds, and internal alignment of guidance and coaching, with pilot schools reporting time savings and better alignment. Members raised concerns about four-day school weeks, the burden on small districts, the need for outcomes and return on investment, and whether the state should move toward a two-year or three-year planning cycle; staff clarified that the proposal was to streamline or eliminate redundant requirements, not add another layer.
The committee then received an update on the Educator Fellows program. PED described it as a Grow Your Own pipeline that employs candidates as supplemental educational assistants while they work toward licensure, providing salary, benefits, paid leave, mentoring, and coursework support. Officials said the program helps address teacher shortages, improves student-to-teacher ratios, increases workforce diversity, and supports the Martinez-Yazzie action plan. They reported 370 current fellows across 86 LEAs and about 180 schools, with many fellows being people of color, first-generation college students, or second-career educators; roughly 85 are expected to become certified this year. A local HR director from Belen testified that the program has been especially valuable in small communities, where fellows are already rooted in the community and several have moved into teaching roles. Members asked about high school recruitment, tuition, retirement and benefits, the relationship to the Higher Education Department’s Grow Your Own scholarship, and the role of university partners. PED said fellows choose among accredited higher education partners, the program is separate from the scholarship but complementary, and the state is also building an apprenticeship model and seeking to expand the program to more LEAs, though some districts are on a waiting list because of funding and local match requirements.