sa国际传媒官网网页入口

I spent more than three decades in New Mexico classrooms and school offices 鈥� as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent. In every role, one truth has held: Students do best when adults focus on teaching and learning, set clear goals, measure progress and stick with what works.

I also come to this conversation with a deep respect for educators and public employees. When I began my teaching career, I was a card鈥慶arrying member of the sa国际传媒官网网页入口 Teachers Federation. Later, as a state senator, I sponsored New Mexico鈥檚 public employees collective bargaining law. Supporting educators鈥� voices, professionalism and working conditions has always gone hand in hand with my belief in strong, accountable public schools.

sa国际传媒官网网页入口 Public Schools recently posted its strongest districtwide results since New Mexico adopted its current statewide assessment in 2022. English language arts proficiency increased by 4.8 points, and math by 2.3 points. These are not abstract averages. Multiple schools recorded double鈥慸igit gains, proof that aligned instruction, quality materials and focused leadership make a real difference.

High school outcomes are improving as well. The class of 2024 graduation rate reached 75.9% 鈥� up 4.3 points and outpacing the statewide increase. Gains among Hispanic students and English learners are especially encouraging, even as persistent gaps remind us that the work is unfinished. Schools such as Bellehaven Elementary, which saw a 21鈥憄oint jump in English language arts, and Matheson Park Elementary, with a 16.2鈥憄oint gain in math, show what鈥檚 possible when expectations and supports align.

Progress for Native students is another important bright spot. In the context of the Yazzie/Martinez ruling, which affirmed the state鈥檚 obligation to provide an equitable education for historically underserved students, APS has made measurable gains. Graduation rates for Native students have risen faster than the state average, and targeted literacy and math supports are expanding in schools serving tribal communities. Equity does not happen by chance; it requires sustained focus and follow鈥憈hrough.

What changed? In 2023, the APS Board of Education adopted SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound) goals, committed to monthly progress monitoring and invested in high鈥憅uality, standardized instructional materials. These decisions were shaped by extensive community engagement, including input from educators and families. The district expanded structured literacy training grounded in the science of reading and tied leadership evaluations to student outcomes. These are practical, proven strategies 鈥� not ideological statements 鈥� and they respect teachers by giving them the tools to succeed.

Improvement takes time. New Mexico did not arrive at the bottom of national rankings overnight, and we won鈥檛 climb out overnight either. Constant course鈥慶orrections driven by politics or personalities undermine progress and sap morale. Coherent goals, common materials and regular review 鈥� the approach APS is using now 鈥� build professional culture and raise achievement.

Recent elections have changed the political makeup of the APS board, but students are not partisan actors. They care about whether today鈥檚 lesson helps them read, write and do math. The evidence shows the current approach is working. Abandoning it now would risk squandering hard鈥憌on momentum.

Progress in education is not a partisan trophy. It is a moral responsibility 鈥� owed to students, families and educators. APS has momentum. Our job is to protect it, strengthen it, and build on it so every classroom delivers on its promise.

Richard M. Romero is a former state senator, sa国际传媒官网网页入口 Public Schools assistant superintendent, teacher and principal.