The Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) Board of Education recently reviewed the district's progress toward strategic goals focused on strengthening high school students' readiness for postsecondary education. This review is consistent with APS' efforts to monitor and improve student outcomes as part of its broader strategic plan.
Monitoring Framework and Results
As part of the Emerging Stronger plan, the district regularly reviews progress against each of the four goals outlined in the strategic plan. To date, the district has reviewed the time spent on meetings addressing literacy goals, math goals, and student outcomes.
Goal 3 is ambitious.
The percentage of high school graduates who earn credit for two or more AP, International Baccalaureate, or dual credit courses, or earn industry certification or dual language certification, will increase from 39.6% in September 2023 to 49.6% in September 2028.
Annual goals for Goal 3:
- 2024: 40.6%
- 2025: 41.6%
- 2026: 43.6%
- 2027: 45.6%
- 2028: 49.6%
The Board of Trustees evaluated three key interim goals at its April 2024 meeting, emphasizing various aspects of higher education preparation. Each goal is part of a strategic plan to improve student outcomes and readiness for postsecondary education and career opportunities through 2026.
“We are committed to making necessary adjustments and rigorously monitoring progress toward these ambitious goals to ensure we are achieving the desired outcomes for all students,” said Superintendent Gabriella Duran Blakey.
Goal 3.1: Reduce dropout rates
APS' first interim goal focuses on significantly reducing the high school dropout rate from 4.2% in May 2023 to 3.2% in May 2026.
However, recent data shows that dropout rates are increasing at worrying levels. APS conducted an analysis to identify some of the systemic root causes of this increase, pinpointing issues such as low student engagement and the difficult transition students face when moving from middle school to high school.
APS Interim Goal 3.1:
The proportion of high school students who drop out of school will drop from 4.2% in May 2023 to 3.2% in May 2026.
Annual goals for Interim Target 3.1:
- 2024: 3.8%
- 2025: 3.6%
- 2026: 3.2%
To combat this trend, APS is taking proactive steps to enhance student retention.
“We are implementing a targeted support system tailored specifically for incoming ninth grade students and introducing early intervention strategies to identify and support at-risk students before they fall too far behind,” said Dr. Antonio Gonzales, APS Chief Academic Officer. explained. “Our approach includes a comprehensive, district-wide credit recovery strategy aimed at reducing dropout rates by ensuring students continue to graduate.”
Goal 3.2: Enhance course enrollment
The second interim goal focuses on increasing high school student enrollment in advanced courses. These include Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), dual credit courses, and career programs. The specific goal set by APS is to increase enrollment from 48.3% in May 2023 to 54.3% in May 2026.
The latest figures for autumn 2023 show signs of progress. Enrollment for this course is up to 48.4%, reflecting a steady increase compared to previous years. APS believes this upward trend can be attributed to several key strategies implemented across the region.
“We have revamped our course catalog to be more comprehensive and accessible so students and their families can make informed decisions about their educational pathways,” Gonzales said. “Additionally, we have strengthened our student engagement strategies and expanded work-based learning opportunities, which have served to increase interest in and participation in our advanced courses.”
APS Interim Goal 3.2:
The percentage of high school students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IBA), or dual credit courses, second-year or more language courses, or career-focused courses will increase from 48.3% in May 2023 to 54.3% in May 2026.
Annual goals for Interim Target 3.2:
- 2024: 49.3%
- 2025: 51.3%
- 2026: 54.3%
These initiatives are part of APS' broader effort to provide students with valuable academic and practical experiences that align with college and career readiness standards.
Goal 3.3: Strengthen credit acquisition
APS has set an ambitious goal to increase 11th grade students' credit earning in advanced coursework. The goal is to increase this ratio from 58% in May 2023 to 64% by May 2026. As of fall 2023, preliminary data shows that 57.4% of 11th grade students have earned credit for this course.
This improvement in credit attainment is driven by a series of targeted initiatives aimed at improving the educational experience of high school students. According to Gonzales, the district has developed career paths that not only engage and engage students, but also provide them with practical skills and knowledge that can be applied to the future job market.
APS Interim Goal 3.3:
The percentage of 11th grade students who have earned credit in one or more of the following: AP, International Baccalaureate, dual credit, language course over three years, or career preparation course will increase from 58% in May 2023 to 64% in May 2026. .
Annual goals for Interim Target 3.3:
- 2024: 59%
- 2025: 61%
- 2026: 64%
In addition to curriculum alignment and career development, APS has strengthened student support systems in all high schools. “We focused on creating a supportive learning environment that meets the diverse needs of our students,” Gonzales explained. “This includes providing personalized instruction and academic support to ensure students successfully complete their courses and earn the credits they need.”
Challenges and strategic coordination
Despite these advances, APS faces ongoing challenges, particularly in maintaining consistent student engagement across all demographic groups and ensuring equitable access to advanced educational opportunities.
“To address these challenges head-on, we are deploying targeted interventions designed to strengthen support systems and increase student engagement and achievement. By focusing on data-driven strategies and inclusive educational practices, we aim to ensure that every student has the tools they need to succeed,” Gonzales told the board.