By Laurie Smith-Small Waisted Bear (Oceti Sakowin)
When people ask me, a Native teacher, a boarding school survivor, and a capstone assessment leader, how capstones are healing, I tell them Mariah’s story.
Building Stronger Parents, Stronger Leaders through Paid Internships
Young parents are some of the most hard-working and overlooked students in our education systems. Future Focused partnered with the Early Childhood Education and Care Department and Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors to forge new pathways for young parents, and the results were incredible.
Capstones: A Catalyst for Intergenerational Healing
By Laurie Smith-Small Waisted Bear (Oceti Sakowin) | English Language Arts Department Chair, Zuni High School
As a Native educator, I work to reclaim intergenerational harmony and healing through the conduit of the capstone project.
How the Power of Peer Support Can Transform Internships
How group internships create supportive, safe spaces where the experience is student-driven and student-centered.
Investing in Local Youth is a Better Bet Than Wall Street
By Tony Monfiletto | Future Focused Education
Young people in our state have suffered the most from COVID-19 isolation. And if we don’t act swiftly, we’ll all pay a heavy price.
Does School Segregation Affect Student Success?
By Erica Surova | Director, Center for Community Analysis, New Mexico State University
School segregation still exists, and it remains pervasive across the United States—including New Mexico. Why is segregation still happening? And how does it affect students? The Center for Community Analysis looked at the data to find out.
What is “Family Engagement”? and Why Is It Important in New Mexico?
By Katherine Avery | Outgoing Strategic Outreach Director, Lifelong Family Advocate
The chasm between school and home is too wide. Family engagement can bridge the divide in order broaden and diversify educational pathways that promote student success.
What It Looks Like When Classrooms Are Truly Embedded in Community
By Abby Nayra and Cheryl Carreon | Las Cruces CommunityShare
By showing students different vocations and creative spaces they learn that the “real world” does have a place for us all.
Capstones Better Prepare Native Students for College and Careers
By Miguel S. Maizano | Zuni High School, Senior Honors Project Teacher
The capstone project at Zuni High School is not just an alternative for high school graduation, but a pathway for our students to take their college education seriously.
Essential For Learning, Essential For Life
How Social and Emotional Learning Can Transform Our Schools and Communities
By Amy McConnell Franklin, Ph.D. | Founding Member, SEL4NM