Let’s Talk New Mexico 7/20 8am: New Mexico has historically struggled when it comes to education, and while educational outcomes are low overall, they’re even lower for special education. It’s estimated that 16.5%, or, just over 50 thousand students in New Mexico needed special education services in the 2022-2023 school year – a rate higher than the latest national data shows.
Test scores are also significantly lower for special education students with only 15% being proficient in literacy, 9% proficient in art and science, and only 6% proficient in math. Nearly a third of special education students did not graduate from high school in 2021.
The landmark decision in Yazzie/Martinez v. State of New Mexico set out to address chronic achievement gaps in special education, however even with the legislative investments few interventions have specifically addressed special education.
In May, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced an Executive Order that would establish the Office of Special Education to operate under the Public Education Department. The goals of the office are requiring professional development for special education teachers, promoting recruitment and retention of those educators, and enhancing assistance for behavior management of students.
On this week’s show we’ll hear from experts, parents, lawyers, and teachers about what it will take to close achievement gaps and ensure that special education students are receiving an equitable education. Are you a parent of a special education student? What services do you think are missing? Email letstalk@kunm.org , leave us a voice message by pressing “record” below, or call in live during the show Thursday morning at 8.
Guests:
- Alyssa Romine, parent
- Joel Davis, parent and attorney, New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Council
- Michelle Tregembo, Office of the Special Education Ombud
- Arsenio Romero, Secretary, New Mexico Public Education Department
- Robert Feuer, special education teacher
Resources:
Albuquerque Public Schools scales back on special education
