I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
Gov. Susana Martinez signed a bill Tuesday that would grade school performances on an A–F scale, part of her plan to reform education in New Mexico.
The first grades for schools will appear in 2012 and will be based on performance on standardized tests from the previous academic year.
“The first step to ensuring every student has access to a quality education is establishing a strong foundation of accountability and transparency,” said Martinez in a statement after the signing.
Martinez also said, “Assigning a simple letter grade to New Mexico’s schools provides a clear picture of which ones are succeeding, which ones are failing and how we can best target resources to the schools and students most in need of help.”
There were critics of the legislation, however. The Las Cruces-Sun News reported:
Critics of the bill included Sen. Howie Morales, D-Silver City. He said the change was rushed through without proper consideration of the consequences, such as neighborhoods declining if a school gets an “F” from the state Public Education Department.
Martinez held an honorary signing of the bill at Route 66 Elementary School in Edgewood.
There are still over 250 pieces of legislation for Martinez to decide whether to sign or veto.
