Big changes coming to failing New Mexico schools

From KOB-TV.com - By: Jill Galus, KOB Eyewitness News 4 - Big money and possibly big changes are coming to failing schools across the state. Governor Susana Martinez made the announcement at an education workshop in Albuquerque Tuesday afternoon, addressing ways new that funding will give schools with the lowest scores the chance to turn things around. The state set aside $3.5 million dollars specifically for improving failing schools, and Martinez made it clear - New Mexico is putting money where it is needed most and that is back toward helping bottom of the barrel schools. There are currently 319 schools in New Mexico with a "D" or "F" letter grade. These failing schools are all encouraged to apply for the state funding and prove how they plan to use the money to change their school around in order to qualify and actually receive it. New Mexico currently ranks among the bottom in the country for education. Martinez made it clear, if is a school or district wants to change that, it is going to take a whole new approach and looking toward those who have shown it works. "It is going to take dedication and it is going to take hard work and a desire to leave behind what is not working... and that takes courage," Martinez said. Read more

Big changes coming to failing New Mexico schools