Skandera: It’s time to embrace education reforms

From NM Pollitics.net - by Hanna Skandera, secretary-designate for the N.M. Public Education Department. - The passion for truly educating our children in New Mexico goes without question. I know this is true, despite our current ranking (48th in the nation). So it’s now time to take notice of our failing school system, examine the opportunities for positive change and give our public education system the chance to live up to its potential. And it’s time for our parents, our communities and our legislators to embrace the reforms necessary to make it so. In the past year I have visited nearly 50 of our 89 school districts. I have heard the resounding voices of adults and children – all eager to see our schools and students succeed. With each visit to every school, and in every classroom, I have witnessed the optimism, desire and hope on the faces of every student across the state. Our students, educators and parents deserve to be recognized for their continued trust in our public school system and deserve to realize true progress as a result of their faith. There is no magic solution to our current status, but there are a few key initiatives that will have a lasting impact on our students’ futures. Two bills before the Legislature right now will, when passed, dramatically and positively impact our students. Read more

Skandera: It’s time to embrace education reforms