House Passes Computer Measure for Schools
NMITSA Board Member Tom Ryan, Executive Director of Learning Technologies at Albuquerque Public Schools is one of the drivers behind the New Mexico Cyber Academy initiative in the current legisltive session.http://legis.state.nm.us/Sessions/07%20Regular/bills/house/HB0201.html
http://www.ped.state.nm.us/press/2006/ november/Statewide_E-Learning_Program.pdf
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Excerpt from ABQ Journal on legislative progress:
Saturday, February 24, 2007
By Gabriela C. Guzman
Journal Capitol Bureau
http://www.abqjournal.com/news/xgr/540930xgr02-24-07.htm
SANTA FE— The House on Friday approved by a 50-13 vote the creation of a statewide computer system that would allow students in all 89 New Mexico school districts to access online courses.
The bill (HB 201) sponsored by Rep. Rick Miera, D-Albuquerque, now moves to the Senate, where a similar bill is moving through committees.
The measure, also known as the Cyber Academy Act, would allow New Mexico students to take online courses offered at the state's higher education institutions and other advanced courses.
"Why should we continue to force kids to the blackboard, when we live in a world dominated by computers and our kids are so comfortable there," Miera said in a prepared statement.
New Mexico Education Secretary Veronica Garcia lauded the measure's passage, which is a cornerstone of Gov. Bill Richardson's plan to improve the state's public high schools.
"This bill is going to create so many opportunities for students in New Mexico," said Garcia, who added the cyber academy would help high school students wanting to earn college credit and broaden their course selection in the state's rural areas.
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