Front Page  news  state

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Report Praises State's Schools

By Gabriela C. Guzman
Journal Capitol Bureau
    SANTA FE— New Mexico is on the right path to improving public education and closing the achievement gap between students of different ethnic and racial groups, according to a national report issued today by the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation.
    When it comes to increasing academic expectations of students, New Mexico is No. 2 in the nation, according to the report called "How Well Are States Educating Our Neediest Children?"
    But when it comes to low-income and minority students reaching those academic expectations on tests, New Mexico winds up in the middle of the pack, found the educational think-tank based in Washington, D.C.
    "New Mexico is heading in the right direction," said Michael J. Petrilli, the foundation's vice president.
    Some of the highest academic standards in the nation, public funding of charter schools and the high number of minority students tested earned New Mexico's its high rank in educational reform, Petrilli said.
    New Mexico Education Secretary Veronica Garcia was encouraged by the report.
    "With time, these education reforms will pay dividends," Garcia said.
    On actual achievement, most states got a failing grade in the report. New Mexico's grade mirrors the national average of D-minus. Virginia, New Jersey and Utah, with D-pluses, were the top three states.
    The achievement tallies were based on the scores of low-income and minority students on the 2005 National Assessment of Educational Progress, often called the nation's report card, and on minority students graduation rates and passing rates on Advanced Placement exams.
    The foundation's president, Chester E. Finn cautioned New Mexico officials against complacency.
    He said, "You can be on the right road and not get very far."

E-MAIL writer Gabriela C. Guzman