New Mexico advocates review plan aimed at education deficits
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's governor has presented a long-awaited plan that would set goals for academic proficiency as the state struggles to resolve a lawsuit by frustrated parents who won a court ruling saying the state is failing to provide an adequate education for the vast majority of its students.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's proposal released earlier this month is meant to satisfy that 2018 court ruling and ongoing litigation to ensure adequate resources to equip students as they pursue a career or college education.
New Mexico is among a long list of states where parents have turned to the court system to address frustrations with the state budget process and the quality of classroom education.
The public and advocacy groups have until June 17 to comment. The plan is expected to drive immediate reforms by the state Public Education Department, as well as discussion and budget priorities in the Legislature next year. However, critics say it lacks specifics, including detailed funding plans and timelines.
Native American education advocates and tribal leaders put forward their own plan in 2019. Called the “Tribal Remedy Framework,” it cites sections of the lawsuit, makes specific recommendations and suggests a specific amount of funding to carry them out.
“While I am hopeful and happy (the Public Education Department) has released its report and are beginning to move on their response, I am still yet perplexed as to why they have yet to publicly embrace the Tribal Remedy Framework,” said Rep. Derrick Lente, of Sandia Pueblo. He called the proposed draft “a we know what’s best for Native kids approach,” and contrasted it to the collaborative plan submitted by tribes and advocates.
Education advocates had expected the governor's proposal to be shared in...