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The New Mexico Public Education Department has more than 9,000 educators and administrators enrolled in its Science of Reading training. (lithiumphoto/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

NM program aims to improve kids' reading skills

In the past four years, the way New Mexico children are taught to read has undergone a major shift. Following passage of a state law in 2019…

The rate of New Mexico high school students not graduating on time was down from 33% a decade ago to 23% in 2019-2020. (Julie/Adobe Stock)

Report: New Mexico's child well-being slowly improving

Child well-being in New Mexico appears to be slowly improving with a marked decline in child poverty. Data from New Mexico Voices for Children found …

New Mexico used federal pandemic funds to expand child care assistance, which was replaced by state funding during the 2023 legislative session to prevent a reversal. (nmvoices.org)

NM Kids' Well-Being Falls Short; Child Advocates Expect Turnaround

New Mexico ranks last in a new report on kids' overall well-being by state, but children's advocates said the two-year-old data does not tell the …

College students who are also parents have high dropout rates, with approximately 52% leaving school within six years without obtaining a degree, according to the Institute of Women's Policy Research. (Ersin/AdobeStock)

NM Community College Boosts Support for Student Parents

In today's higher-education landscape, more than one-in-five college students also are parents - leading one New Mexico college to create a Student …

Child poverty rates worsened nationwide in 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but improved slightly in New Mexico. (Rawpixel.com/AdobeStock)<br />

Report: NM Child Well-Being Fared Better Than Expected During Pandemic

New Mexico's Voices for Children has released its latest Kids Count Data Book - noting some quality-of-life improvements despite COVID, but also …

Virtual tutoring for K-12 students has shown mixed results, but New Mexico is counting on it to improve academic performance. (Westock/AdobeStock)

New Mexico Turns to Virtual Tutoring To Boost Student Grades

To boost educational outcomes, New Mexico will start the new year with a free, virtual tutoring program - focused on math, language arts, and science …

In a 2018 ruling, a state District Court judge found New Mexico was failing to prepare students equally for college and a career, specifically citing a lack of sufficient education for Native Americans. (AdobeStock/mmg1design)

NM's Boost in Early Education Funds Included in Federal Omnibus Bill

New Mexico voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot question in November to spend more money on early childhood education and public schools, and now …

The 2022 Kids Count report found 56% of New Mexico three- and four-year-olds are not in preschool, the lowest ranking in the nation. (Susan Warner/savethechildren.org)

NM Voters to Decide Major Funding Shift for Early Childhood Education

In educational performance, New Mexico consistently ranks at or near the bottom among the 50 states, but it could change if an influx of dedicated …

The COVID pandemic caused major challenges for families and blunted progress in New Mexico to improve child well-being, according to New Mexico Voices for Children. (DeanMoriarty/Pixaby)

NM Struggles in Child Well-Being Report but Celebrates Positive Trends

Since 2020, New Mexico has been working to create a more cohesive, equitable and effective early-childhood system. But it could be a while before it …

Child well-being in New Mexico was steadily improving prior to the onset of the pandemic, according to a new report from the state's Voices for Children. (AlexandraKoch/Pixabay)

Report: NM's Hispanic Families Hurt Most by Pandemic

New Mexico's families of color, Hispanic families in particular, have been hit hardest by income losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to …

Experts say regular outdoor learning opportunities promote greater physical well-being and improved brain function in children. (isakarakus/Pixabay)

Advocates to Congress: Kids Need More Outdoor Learning

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- As Congress considers making significant investments in the nation's child-care system, children's advocates argued now is the …

New Mexico Voices for Children says, as in many states, families of color in New Mexico were hit hard by the pandemic, in terms of school closures and job losses. (nappy.co)

NM Families Start School Year with Extra Money for Child Care

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Pandemic fallout still has U.S. states clawing their way back to normalcy, and New Mexico believes its decision to provide more …

New Mexico had a 45% improvement in children without health insurance in 2019, compared with the previous year, according to a new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (darkside-550/Pixabay)

NM Notes Marked Improvements in Child Well-Being Report

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A New Mexico child-advocate group is expressing cautious optimism about incremental improvements in the latest Kids Count report…

New Mexico's Early Childhood Education Trust Fund will help provide a long-term funding source to invest in New Mexico's youngest children, according to New Mexico Voices for Children.(Victoria_Borodinova/Pixabay)

Pluses Outweigh Minuses in NM Kids Count Data Despite Pandemic

SANTA FE, N.M. -- A report on New Mexico's children and families showed steady improvement in child poverty since 2016, declining from nearly 31% to 2…

With the pandemic exacerbating educational inequities, New Mexico Democrats say they want to finish a decades-long fight to withdraw more money from the state's largest and oldest endowment to fund early education. (ePhotographyAustralia/Pixabay)

Poll: NM Voters Support Boost to Early-Education Funding

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A new poll shows a majority of New Mexico voters support a constitutional amendment to permanently fund early childhood …

Racism, discrimination and implicit bias impact consumption and property valuation in New Mexico, according to a new report from the state's Voices for Children advocacy group. (wal-172619/Pixabay)

Report: Improved Tax Policies Would Help Fix NM's Racial Inequity

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- New Mexico could use the inequities revealed by the coronavirus pandemic to overhaul tax policy and create a more fair-minded …

Minority populations, including those in New Mexico, have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic at disproportionate rates. (Mohamedhassan/Pixabay)

Racism, Childhood Well-Being Focus of New Mexico Conference

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- As parents across New Mexico grapple with the start of school amid COVID-19, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will kick off the …

As the result of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, the percentage of New Mexico children without health insurance continued to drop in 2018, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Victoria_Borodinova/Pixabay)

Despite Small Advances, NM Child Well-Being Stuck at 50th Nationwide

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A yearly report that looks at indicators of child well-being shows New Mexico in last place among the 50 states, but there is …

In New Mexico, there were 466 teachers on alternative licenses in 2014, compared to 2,352 this year, according the state Public Education Department. (ernestoeslava/Pixabay)

New Mexico Teacher Shortage Focus of Forthcoming Report

ESPANOLA, N.M. -- From the governor on down, everyone agrees New Mexico's kids deserve qualified, effective teachers. But many classrooms aren't …

New Mexico is not adequately providing opportunity for children of color, who make up 75% of the state's child population, according to New Mexico Voices for Children. (sonamabcd/Pixabay)

Well-Being Disparities Persist for New Mexico's Children

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- There is positive news for children in the annual data book released Wednesday by New Mexico Voices for Children. But the …

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has said she hopes to get $35 million approved this legislative session to offer students free in-state college tuition. (LeoFontes/Pixabay)

NM's 2020 Legislative Session to Again Focus on Education

SANTA FE, N.M. -- New Mexico is losing experienced educators every day, according to the president of the state's teachers' union, who says steps to …

New Mexico shoppers save about $4 million during the annual tax-free holiday weekend, according to the state's Taxation and Revenue Department. (Pixabay)

Back-to-School Savings Abound During New Mexico Tax-free Weekend

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico's annual sales-tax holiday starts today, which means families can save a little money as they stock up on …

Once again, New Mexico ranks last among states for overall children's well-being, but advocates for children say state lawmakers made some progress this year to help reverse the trend. (savethechildrenactionnetwork.org)

Advocates for NM Families See Chance to Improve Kids' Lives

SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico is once again ranked 50th out of the 50 states for child well-being in the 2019 KIDS COUNT Data Book, compiled by …

New Mexico legislators begin a new session today under a court order to file an initial plan to fix the state's schools by April 15. (mcsk12nm)

NM Legislators to Hear Need to Improve Kids' Well-Being

SANTA FE, N.M. — As part of opening day at the 2019 New Mexico Legislature, the state's Voices for Children group will highlight its annual New …

New Mexico has until April to ensure the state's schools receive adequate resources to meet the needs of at-risk students, based on a court order handed down last year. (lanlfoundation.org)

NM Legislature Faces Mandatory 'Rethink' of Education System

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico state lawmakers say their number-one priority in the upcoming legislative session is to improve the state's …

National school funding data shows that some of the poorest states in the country spend $1,000 more per pupil than New Mexico. (liberationnews.org)

NM Governor's Race Puts Spotlight on Education

SANTA FE, N.M. — Thirty-six states will elect new governors tomorrow, and in New Mexico, educational funding promises to be a huge issue for …

New Mexico's public schools ranked as second-worst in the country in 2018, but a successful lawsuit will require the state to spend more money on at-risk students. (children.org)

Court Requires Quick Turnaround for Equity in NM's Public Schools

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico has to create a plan for how to create more equitable funding for its public schools, after a judge ruled the …

A 2017 legislative analysis found that only 26 percent of New Mexico's third-grade students were proficient in reading. (pixabay)

Critics of NM's K-3 Testing Plan to Address PED Hearing

SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico Public Education Department will take comments in Santa Fe Thursday on a controversial proposal to hold back …

Some New Mexico parents spend 18 percent of their income on childcare, even with federal assistance. (ewa.org)

NM Child Advocates: "Fix the Cliff" with $20 Million in Federal Funds

ALBUQUERQUE N.M. – Children's advocates say too many hard-working New Mexico families struggle with the "cliff effect" when trying to pay for …

New Mexico children's advocates say expanding the state's home-visiting program could reduce the high number of children suffering from adverse experiences. (pewtrusts.org)

NM's Children Suffer Traumatic Experiences at Higher Rates

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The biannual Child Trends report shows New Mexico children suffer traumatic events at a higher rate than kids in almost any …

New Mexico legislators are reviewing a new report on the state's dismal well-being of children as they start the 2018 lawmaking session. (wkkf.org)

Report: New Mexico Child Well-Being is Better and Worse

SANTA FE, N.M. – The well-being of New Mexico children lags dramatically behind other states, and a new report says the only thing that will …

New science shows young people's brains are able to heal after trauma, meaning no child is a lost cause. (childtrends.org)

New Brain Research Can Help NM Foster Kids Become Successful Adults

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Improved science on adolescent brain development shows there are new ways to help the more-than 2,300 children in New …

Children of color in New Mexico struggle to thrive because do not have access to the same resources as white and Asian children. (nmpovertylaw.org)

NM Kids Struggle for Equal Chance to Succeed

ALBUQUERQUE, N. M. – A new report out today says the vast majority of children in New Mexico lag behind other kids across the nation when it …

New Mexico students are required to take the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers tests, but there's concern about whether the results truly reflect a school's quality. (The Inspired Classroom)

Time to Dump New Mexico Student PARCC Tests?

SANTA FE, N.M. – The head of New Mexico's teachers' union says the growing divide among public schools getting 'A' grades and those getting …

New Mexico students return to the classroom this week as a judge decides whether the state will be required to change the way public schools are funded. (teacher.org)

Will Courts Rule NM Kids Deserve Better Education?

SANTA FE, N.M. – Teachers in New Mexico facing larger class sizes and fewer resources when they return to the classroom this week hope a …

A new report ranks New Mexico 49th in the nation for children's well-being, and family advocates are working to determine how to improve that. (Pixabay/Creative Commons)

Report: NM Ranks 49th in Nation for Children's Well-Being

ALBUQUERQUE, N. M. – New Mexico is second to last among states in rankings for children's well-being just out today. The Annie E. Casey …

The State Preschool Yearbook shows how well - or not - early-childhood education is being provided across the country. (Flickr/Creative Commons)

NM Pre-K Good; Advocates Say Funding Could Make It Better

SANTA FE, N.M. – The annual State of Preschool yearbook was released by the National Institute of Early Education Research this week, and it …

Unusual circumstances in the New Mexico Legislature have family advocacy groups in the state hoping for more education funding. (Public Domain/Creative Commons)

NM Roundhouse Legal Battle Stokes Hopes for Education

SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico's Legislative Council hasn't ruled out the possibility of suing Gov. Susana Martinez ahead of a potential special …

New Mexico redujo el n�mero de ni�os sin cobertura de salud en 48 por ciento entre 2013 y 2015. (Kathy Yeulet/iStockphoto)

New Mexico baja el número de niños no asegurados en casi la mitad

Santa Fe, NM - De acuerdo a un nuevo reporte del Centro de la Universidad Georgetown para los Niños y las Familias (Georgetown University Center …

Im�genes satelitales muestran un penacho de metano cerca del �rea de Four Corners (NASA)

Quinto Condado de NM que vota para apoyar la Regla BLM del Metano

Albuquerque, NM – La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Bernalillo votó el martes por la noche para apoyar una nueva regla …

The 2016 Kids Count Data Book, an annual survey of children's well-being by state, ranks New Mexico a dismal 49th. (Futcher/iStockphoto)

NM Remains Near Bottom in Kids Count Rankings

SANTA FE, N.M. -- New Mexico retains its dismal ranking of 49th out of 50 states for children's well-being, according to the 2016 Kids Count Data …

Una normatividad propuesta del BLM podr�a significar millones de d�lares extra para las escuelas de Nuevo M�xico, por regal�as de los productores de petr�leo y gas. (sadegua/iStockphoto)

Nuevas normas podrían traer más fondos a las escuelas de NM: Estudio

SANTA FE, N.M. – Las escuelas de Nuevo México, tan golpeadas por la Gran Recesión, podrían comenzar a recuperar algo de sus …

Critics say New Mexico�s 2017 state budget under-funds programs for children, including schools, social services and health care. (Pixabay)

Children’s Advocates Criticize 2017 New Mexico State Budget

SANTA FE, N.M. - Children's advocates say they are deeply disappointed with the 2017 state budget approved last week by the New Mexico Legislature…

The new KIDS COUNT report notes plenty to be cautious about for New Mexico families, including the highest child poverty rate among the 50 states. (Pixabay)

Report: New Mexico Has Highest Rate of Child Poverty

SANTA FE, N.M. - Despite gains in other areas, New Mexico children are ranked last among the 50 states for their high poverty rate, according to the …

Safe Kids Worldwide has some easy and effective tips for drivers and parents to make sure all ghosts and goblins can trick-or-treat safely. Credit: Manley099/iStockphoto

Tips to Keep Children Safe on Halloween

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Halloween can be one of the best nights of the year for children across America. But for parents, it can be nerve-wracking…

FOTO: Los Programas Veraniegos de Nutrici�n fundados por el U.S. Department of Agriculture est�n ayudando a m�s ni�os de Nuevo M�xico y de todo el pa�s, seg�n revela un reporte reciente del Food Research and Action Center. Cr�dito de la foto: California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Más niños de Nuevo México reciben comidas veraniegas

SANTA FE, N.M. – Los Programas Veraniegos de Nutrición (Summer Nutrition Programs) fundados por el U. S. Department of Agriculture (…

PHOTO: Improving the well being of children in New Mexico and across the nation is the goal of legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Tom Udall. Photo courtesy of Sen. Udall

Udall's SONG Legislation Focused on Child Well Being

SANTA FE, N.M. - U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., is sponsoring legislation he maintains will help the state overcome statistics such as having America's …

PHOTO: A new survey ranks New Mexico among the top states for the percentage of students who benefit from the School Breakfast Program. Photo courtesy letsmove.gov

NM Ranks 2nd Best on School Breakfast Report

SANTA FE, N.M. - New Mexico ranks second best in the nation, behind West Virginia, in a survey measuring the percentage of students who are part of …

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NM: Early Childhood Education