In a pivotal meeting of the New Mexico Legislature on September 20, 2024, education leaders underscored the urgent need to support students at risk of not graduating. The discussion centered on targeted interventions for these students, emphasizing the importance of credit recovery programs and educational coaching to re-engage them in their learning journey.

One key speaker highlighted the necessity of identifying students who require additional support and collaborating with their families and teachers to ensure they stay on track. "We know which students are not on track to graduate," the speaker stated, advocating for a strategic approach to implement effective support systems in schools. The goal is to make education relevant and engaging, ultimately helping students see a clear path to graduation.

The meeting also showcased impressive data from schools participating in the TOPS program, which extends the school year by ten days. Notable increases in literacy and math scores were reported, with some schools achieving gains of over 30%. This success reinforces the effectiveness of structured literacy programs and ongoing teacher training, which are crucial for maintaining educational progress.

Senator Stewart emphasized the importance of continuous training for teachers, noting that many have not received essential instruction in structured literacy. He called for a commitment to ongoing professional development to prevent a regression in teaching methods. "We need to keep the pedal to the metal," he urged, referencing the successful literacy reforms in Mississippi as a model for New Mexico.

The discussions at this meeting reflect a strong commitment to improving educational outcomes in New Mexico, with a clear focus on targeted support for at-risk students and the importance of sustained teacher training. As the state moves forward, these initiatives could significantly impact student success and graduation rates.