Although every student enrolled in a public school in New Mexico is required to take SAT testing, the averages compared to the other 49 states are extremely disappointing, ranking 50 out of 50 with the average score being only 885 in the 2024 school year. Compared to states like North Dakota and Wisconsin, these states have average scores of 1287 respectively. They may not have the same participation rates, as the SAT is not needed for college admission in these states, yet the difference is alarming. 

 

New Mexico's 100% participation rate for the SAT might be the biggest factor in to why they school averages are so low, but the underlying causes to it is the lack of effort from students taking the exam. Students who don't have an interest in college or trade schools after high school struggle to find importance in school, thus not studying and not meeting expectations set on them by teachers. 

 

As for younger students, their proficiencies are no better. With issues starting from the pandemic, younger students in elementary schools have had trouble learning how to read up to their grade levels and understanding basic math skills. According to 2024 data, only 20 percent of 4th graders demonstrated proficiency in reading, and only 23% showed proficiency in math. Read more...