Where do we rank amongst other states? 

Starting 8 years ago, New Mexico's education has proven to be one of many problems the state has been facing, ranking 50th in all education amongst the United States. With low testing averages, reading and math proficiencies, and country-low school funding, New Mexican students are not getting the attention they deserve from the senate leaders and other government officials. 

Factors of the Decline in Education

Low test scores, lower graduation rates, lower attendance rates, and lower national rankings can all be traced to the overall standing of the state of New Mexico. It is known that the state has dealt with a high percentage of low-income families living in their biggest cities and their more rural areas, which significantly influences not only students but the economy as a whole. Thousands of parents unable to afford childcare and the resources needed for their children to succeed in school are some of the biggest issues faced by all of these communities. Without a stable living situation, it is very difficult for children to succeed in school, which is something that has hindered New Mexican communities for years. Fortunately, with the introduction to free universal healthcare here in the state starting November 1st, we hope to see changes in attendance for younger students in low-income families. Read more...

However...

Many schools within the state have shown major improvements recently. Alvarado Elementary, located in the North Valley of Albuquerque, enrolls 95% low-income students, and 75% Hispanic students, which are two of the main demographics living in New Mexico. Even though these numbers are high, they are showing higher proficiency averages than other elementary schools located in, not just Albuquerque, but in all of New Mexico. 

What can we do?

Although the state has little to no educational funding from the federal government, there are ways to not only support schools, but students and their communities near these schools all over New Mexico. 

As a state united, it is wise to take into consideration what other states, whom in the past have ranked low in education and now have positive growth in their proficiencies and averages, have done to get to these new points. Consider the state of Mississippi, who have implemented things such as a larger tutoring system in each of their schools, individual reading plans, and other student-focused programs, primarily focusing on the students who are struggling the most. An example of this is their Literacy-Based Promotion Act, which provides teachers with more literacy coaching, resources like books and study guides, and reading instructions that have proven to work. 

 

Focusing on the students who need the most help and the communities who need the most attention would not only give these individuals the resources that are needed but giving them a voice when they haven't had it for a significant amount of time. 

Not a lot can be done without funding, however. These programs and teacher coaching cannot occur without the proper funding from each city and state into their public-school programs. Investing in the future generation allows for more economic growth in the long run, as shown in the case of Mississippi and other states growing their education departments. Read more...