2006 New Mexico Statutes - Section 22-10A-19.1 — Professional development; systemic framework; requirements; department duties.

22-10A-19.1. Professional development; systemic framework; requirements; department duties.

A.     The department shall develop a systemic framework for professional development that provides training to ensure quality teachers, school principals and instructional support providers and that improves and enhances student achievement.  The department shall work with licensed school employees, the commission on higher education [higher education department] and institutions of higher education to establish the framework.

B.     The framework shall include:

(1)     the criteria for school districts to apply for professional development funds, including an evaluation component that will be used by the department in approving school district professional development plans; and

(2)     guidelines for developing extensive professional development activities for school districts that:

(a)     improve teachers' knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to teach those subjects to all of their students;

(b)     are an integral part of the public school and school district plans for improving student achievement;

(c)     provide teachers, school administrators and instructional support providers with the strategies, support, knowledge and skills to help all students meet New Mexico academic standards;

(d)     are high quality, sustained, intensive and focused on the classroom; and

(e)     are developed and evaluated regularly with extensive participation of school employees and parents.