New Mexico's public education system is set to undergo significant improvements aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism and boosting graduation rates, following a recent legislative meeting. The New Mexico Legislature's Education Study Committee discussed strategies to enhance student attendance and academic outcomes, with a goal to cut chronic absenteeism in half over the next five years.

During the meeting, officials reported a promising 6.4% increase in attendance from the previous academic year, attributing this success to targeted investments and collaborative efforts across the state. The current chronic absenteeism rate stands at 39.22%, and the ambitious goal is to lower this figure to just over 19% by 2029. Key barriers to attendance, such as illness, food insecurity, and mental health issues, were identified, prompting a multifaceted approach to address these challenges.

To support this initiative, the state has allocated $5 million to fund various intervention strategies in schools. This funding has already enabled 14 districts to hire attendance interventionists, implement early warning systems, and conduct workshops for parents to emphasize the importance of regular school attendance. Additionally, a statewide engagement program is being rolled out to help re-engage students showing early signs of attendance issues.

The meeting also highlighted the need for improved operations within the Public Education Department to better support schools. Officials emphasized the importance of flexibility in funding, allowing schools to tailor their strategies to meet the unique needs of their communities. This includes addressing transportation challenges that have led to the elimination of school bus routes in some areas.

Furthermore, the department aims to increase graduation rates by 1,400 students over the next two years, focusing on career and technical education programs and high-dosage tutoring. The initiative seeks to provide additional support for students who may struggle academically, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.

As New Mexico moves forward with these initiatives, the emphasis remains on collaboration between state officials, educators, and families to create a supportive environment that fosters student success. The outcomes of these efforts will be closely monitored, with the hope of setting a new standard for educational achievement in the state.