ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A National Education Association of New Mexico survey shows that the vast majority of people think K-12 public education is either “just fair” or “poor” in New Mexico – 29% rated public education as poor and 43% rated it as fair. The responses echoed 2017 perceptions.
Participants in the union-conducted survey, which used international polling firm Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, said the top problems are out-of-school-issues, such as poverty, funding – including low employee pay – and lack of parental involvement.
The research also indicated that survey participants either feel “about the same” (43%) or “less positive” (34%) about the direction of public education in the state since the election in November 2018.
FROM THE ROUNDHOUSE:
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With the legislative session around the corner, a whole lot of education organizations presented legislative priorities to lawmakers this week. Among the highlights were school employee pay increases, educator recruitment and retention, and school safety.
Public education funding, including dollars for career and technical education, was obviously a hot topic.
Resources for students who are “at-risk” – used to describe students who face hurdles, such as learning English or coming from low-income families – was also discussed.
On that note: A lot of money for programs that benefit “at-risk” student groups was left on the table, according to a Legislative Education Study Committee newsletter.
The excerpt says the Legislature set aside roughly $62.5 million for extended learning time programs for 124,000 students. But school districts and charters applied for $42.3 million.
There was also a significant amount of money left over for K-5 Plus, which extends the school year with the goal of boosting academic results. About $120 million was appropriated, but schools are using only $29 million this year, according to the brief.
APS AMONG TOP FOR NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION: Albuquerque Public Schools is among the top 20 districts in the nation for teachers who have National Board Certification, according to a news release.
National Board Certification – a voluntary advanced credential process – is billed as the “gold standard in teacher certification.”
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The district ranks 16th nationally for the number of teachers who earned it.
According to APS, 31 teachers got National Board Certification in 2019. There are now over 650 teachers in APS who are certified.
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards announced this week that APS was designated a National Board Accomplished District for its part in encouraging and supporting teachers in the process.
Shelby Perea: [email protected]
