In 2019, Future Focused Education interviewed young people from around the state to find more equitable ways of assessing their learning as part of the New Mexico Graduation Equity Initiative (NMGEI) through the Public Education Department (PED). These young people told us that the standard graduation requirements are not connected to who they are or what they can actually do.
What If Social-Emotional Learning Is A Key to Equity in NM?
By Amy McConnell Franklin | Founding Co-Chair SEL4NM
Why should schools care about social and emotional learning? Previously, we simply trusted that essential skills like managing emotions or showing empathy would logically have positive impacts on performance in schools.
How New Mexico Is Weaving Social-Emotional Learning into All Aspects of High School
By Dr. Lynne McMahan | SEL4NM Leadership Team
Earlier this year SEL4NM visited eleven schools across the state, and what we saw made us so inspired and excited about the future of New Mexico education. Here’s what we found, and why we are so optimistic about the future.
The Making of a Graduate Profile: Peñasco School District
What happened when the Peñasco district asked their community “what should students learn in school?”
What Should the Future of Assessment Look Like? And How Do We Get There?
By Harry Feder | Executive Director, FairTest
I taught for 22 years in New York City public schools. Among the classes I found most inspiring to teach was an elective called “The System”.
The students’ final project was a twenty-minute podcast. The class did not end in a standardized test, nor were there any administered during the course of the semester.
Teens Need More Hands-On Learning
By Kristin Leigh | Co-Executive Director, Explora
Explora recently celebrated the grand opening of X Studio, its new STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) education and workforce development center for teens. The space is designed for teens to learn new skills, explore professional equipment, and develop ideas that can be realized.
Educationese: Why Language Matters
By Patricia Jiménez-Latham | Assistant Director of Capstone Communications and Outreach
What does all our education jargon really mean? As we enter a new paradigm in measuring students knowledge and skills, here are some thoughtful clarifications.
How Innovation Zones Will Re-engage Our Students
How would education look different if we focused on the student experience of learning instead of “achievement” and “performance?”
New Law Increases Native Students’ Access to State-Funded Education Programs
By Alvin Warren | Vice President of Career Pathways and Advocacy, LANL Foundation
House Bill 198 will help move our state closer to ensuring that all Native American students have access to culturally- and linguistically-relevant programs necessary for them to be college or career ready. Here’s how.
What Happened at EdUprising 2023
More than 300 educators, community leaders, and young people attended Future Focused’s third annual EdUprising Conference. What we learned and how to download presentations here.