The New Mexico Legislature convened on September 20, 2024, for a Legislative Education Study Committee meeting focused on various educational initiatives and outcomes. The session highlighted significant advancements in Career and Technical Education (CTE), student internships, and innovative funding strategies aimed at improving graduation rates and academic performance.

The meeting began with a discussion on innovation zones and CTE work, revealing that since 2021, over 6,145 students have participated in internships, which have been funded through innovation zone initiatives. This funding has been instrumental in supporting student internships that allow participants to earn credit. During the 2022-2023 school year, 104,000 high school students were enrolled, with 69,000 taking at least one CTE course across 73 districts, 48 charter schools, and 14 post-secondary institutions. The committee emphasized the importance of maintaining funding for innovation zones to continue supporting schools in meeting updated graduation requirements.

The conversation then shifted to high dosage tutoring and out-of-school time programs, with nearly $6 million allocated to support 26 local education agencies (LEAs) and seven community-based organizations. The committee expressed a desire to continue funding these initiatives to complete ongoing pilot programs.

Further discussions focused on the success of CTE programs, noting that 70 districts and charter schools currently offer CTE programming. Notably, students who complete multiple levels of CTE courses, such as welding, have achieved a 100% graduation rate. The committee recognized exemplary districts, including Bloomfield and Hobbs, for their effective CTE implementations. However, it was noted that data collection on students obtaining industry-level certifications needs to be reinstated to better track outcomes.

Partnerships with industry were also highlighted, showcasing successful collaborations that have resulted in scholarships and funding for specific courses, such as welding and propane certification. The committee underscored the importance of these partnerships in aligning educational programs with workforce needs.

The meeting also addressed the educator ecosystem, with updates on various programs aimed at addressing teacher shortages. The committee reported a reduction in teacher vacancies from approximately 1,000 to about 700, attributing this improvement to initiatives like the Ed Fellows program and teacher residency programs.

In terms of academic outcomes, the committee set ambitious goals for improving student achievement in English language arts and mathematics. They aim for a 6% year-over-year increase in English language arts and a 3% increase in mathematics. The introduction of the "Numero's" program aims to enhance teachers' skills in teaching mathematics, addressing a noted decline in student performance in this area.

The meeting concluded with discussions on summer reading programs and the importance of preventing summer learning loss. The committee received positive feedback from families regarding the summer programs implemented, which provided academic support and enrichment.

Overall, the meeting underscored New Mexico's commitment to enhancing educational outcomes through innovative funding, strong partnerships, and targeted programs aimed at both students and educators. The committee plans to continue monitoring progress and adapting strategies to meet the evolving needs of the state's educational landscape.