In a stern letter to local leaders, New Mexico Secretary of Education Arsenio Romero called for accountability for the state's education system, citing concerns about persistently low-performing schools and the need for excellence.
In the letter, Romero expressed alarm about the high number of low-performing schools and the impact this has on the state's students and their future. He wrote: “Too many of our schools are underperforming and students across the state have low proficiency in reading and math. This is unacceptable. “Now is the time to take responsibility.”
Romero's letter was sent Nov. 21 after delays in the release of student performance data and school designations, which are determined in part based on students' academic performance and graduation rates.
During the 2022-2023 school year, statewide reading proficiency increased 4%, while math proficiency decreased slightly. Statewide, reading proficiency was reported at 38%, while math proficiency was lower at 24%.
“We owe this responsibility to our state’s most precious resource: our children,” Romero wrote, emphasizing the need for accountability at all levels of the education system. He broke away from the status quo and demanded excellence from everyone involved in New Mexico's education system.
Romero also highlighted success stories in the data, noting that improvements in reading scores were observed across a variety of student subgroups, including English language learners, students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students, and Native American students. The notable progress among Native American students in reading, up 5 percentage points compared to 2022 results, was particularly encouraging.
Despite these bright spots, Romero acknowledged persistent low student achievement results and achievement gaps that have plagued New Mexico public schools for decades. He emphasized the need for change and urged all stakeholders to embrace a bold vision of accountability.
Romero's letter also addressed the significant financial investments Gov. Lujan Grisham and the Legislature have made in the state's education system since 2019. But he noted that these investments have not resulted in historic academic gains, especially for disadvantaged students. Romero wrote: “Gov. Lujan Grisham and New Mexico lawmakers have invested billions of dollars in the state's education system since 2019. Although this is an unprecedented level in history, it has not been matched by historical academic achievements. Statewide, less than a third of students are proficient in reading and less than a quarter are proficient in math. These outcomes are worse for low-income families, students with disabilities, English language learners, and Native American students. That has to change.”
Romero went on to write that PED is working on its budget and that “the budget NMPED proposes to the Legislature this year will focus on accountability.”
The letter concluded with a call to action urging parents, teachers, administrators, policymakers and communities to come together and work to build a brighter future for New Mexico's children.