LESC – New Mexico Education

Legislators Review Efforts to Combat Chronic Absenteeism

Diego Lopez — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 00:03:16 +0000

The State of New Mexico faces a chronic absenteeism crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the passage of the “Attendance for Success Act” (AFSA) in 2019, schools struggled to combat high absenteeism rates, reaching 40 percent in the 2021-2022 school year. The AFSA introduced a tiered approach to address absenteeism, but challenges such as understaffed attendance offices and issues at home have prompted recommendations for increased investment in attendance staff and improved data collection.

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National Council of Teacher Quality Advocates for Improved Teacher Workforce Data

Diego Lopez — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 22:00:00 +0000

During a recent Legislative Education Study Committee, Shannon Houston from the National Council of Teacher Quality (NCTQ) highlighted the significant gaps in the state's teacher workforce data. Houston emphasized how these deficiencies hinder effective decision-making and policy formulation, stressing the need for improved data on teacher vacancies, reasons for leaving the profession, and future demands. She recommended identifying subject areas with shortages, analyzing teacher distribution, and enhancing teacher preparation programs, citing successful examples from other states and offering NCTQ's assistance to implement these changes.

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Legislators Discuss Stagnant Academic Progress Amid Rising Education Spending

Diego Lopez — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 21:00:00 +0000

New Mexico faces scrutiny over its education funding and student performance, with legislators expressing frustration over stagnant academic results despite increased spending. The state's education funding formula, dating back to 1974, is challenged by declining student enrollment and evolving educational needs. Legislators criticize the Public Education Department for not adequately addressing issues raised by the 2018 Yazzie/Martinez decision, particularly for marginalized student groups, despite significant investment in the education sector.

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Legislators Review Education Assessment Data and Discuss Strategies for Improvement

Diego Lopez — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 22:00:00 +0000

New Mexico State Legislators met at the state capitol to assess the latest education assessment results and discuss ways to improve student outcomes on November 16. The meeting highlighted the significance of assessment data, including ELA and mathematics proficiency, with a notable four percent increase in ELA proficiency statewide. However, concerns were raised about data delays, prompting discussions on expediting the release of data and enhancing accountability for student outcomes in the future.

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Legislators Discuss Efforts to Boost Bi-literacy and Mathematics Education

Diego Lopez — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 21:00:00 +0000

New Mexico's Public Education Department is actively implementing evidence-based strategies to enhance biliteracy and mathematics education in the state's schools, addressing concerns about reading and math proficiency levels. The department is focusing on the science of reading to improve literacy, especially among emergent bilingual students. Additionally, the state is rolling out micro-credentials to enhance K-5 educators' math knowledge, aiming to provide professional development opportunities for teachers and bridge achievement gaps among student groups.

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