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.

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.

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.

What happened when the Peñasco district asked their community “what should students learn in school?”

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 would education look different if we focused on the student experience of learning instead of “achievement” and “performance?”

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 are Innovation Zones? And how will they make a difference in New Mexico education? Learn about this innovative model that combines evidence-based approaches we’re already using successfully across the state.

By Tim Hand | Ocotillo Strategies, former Deputy Secretary of Education
With the abundant financial resources the state has garnered, New Mexico is ripe for transformation of the high school experience. Let’s go big. The time is now.

By Loretta Trujillo | Executive Director, Transform Education New Mexico
When we center culture, language, and identity, New Mexico will be poised for better outcomes. Here are some concrete solutions to improve our education system, starting today.