Let's Talk New Mexico

Social media has become a common way for people to communicate and share ideas. However, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory earlier this year about the effects of social media use on young people and their mental health after use of platforms has become nearly universal.

In New Mexico educational outcomes are low overall, and they’re even lower for special education. In May the Governor announced a new special education office to help improve those outcomes. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’ll discuss closing the achievement gap for special needs students.

On the last Let’s Talk New Mexico we discussed our state’s troubled foster care system. After many listener calls and emails and many new questions, we’ve decided to continue the conversation this week – focusing on solutions.

Going to school when you don’t feel good can make learning hard. New Mexico has struggled to climb out of our last place ranking in education but also with providing quality healthcare. School based health centers may be a solution.

In 2018, a judge ruled in the Yazzie/Martinez lawsuit that New Mexico was failing to provide an equitable education to students who are low-income, Native American, have disabilities or are English language learners. This means that the state is in direct violation of the education clause in the New Mexico State Constitution.

After running for re-election on growing the Albuquerque police force, Mayor Tim Keller said he’s given up hope of hitting the longstanding goal of having 1,200 officers. The department is switching gears, according to the mayor, by narrowing officer tasks and relying on civilians and technology to fill in the gaps.

New Mexico has struggled with education rankings, and critics say charter schools have contributed to the problem. On this week's Let's Talk New Mexico we’ll look at current standards for charter schools and we'll hear firsthand from advocates, public officials, and school staff about the strengths and weaknesses of the charter school system.

Medications like Methadone and Suboxone could help save lives and increase the chances of recovery when given to people behind bars, but it's rare to see that actually happen. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico, we talk with a doctor who wants to make them available by law, and a lawyer who says they are a right, and we want to hear what you think. Send us an email, tweet to us or call in live during the show, Thursday, January 12, at 8am on KUNM.

For years advocates have sought a constitutional amendment that would allot more money to early childhood programs from a state permanent fund. This year the issue finally goes before voters in the November general election. Constitutional Amendment Number 1 would increase the distribution of money from the Land Grant Permanent Fund to pay for more early childhood education and to our public school systems.

Long Covid leaves one teacher exhausted and confused 6 months later. She shares her story anonymously to protect her from retaliation. Her story includes physical, emotional, and mental struggles.