Education is the Cornerstone

Eighty percent of our New Mexico children are not proficient in reading by the end of third grade, according to a recently released report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The long-term impact of this on our children is profound. These early grades are the time when children “learn to read” so they can then “read to learn,” and there is a direct connection between low reading scores at this grade level and low high school graduation rates. Being 49th in the nation for reading proficiency at this level is a crisis and we must react. These are our children and grandchildren, and it is up to us to protect their future.

As a Democratic Candidate for Lt. Governor, my sole focus has been on education, job creation and retraining. Improving the economy is equally important, but that cannot be achieved without a well-educated workforce able to take on the kinds of jobs that will create a thriving economy. Last month I released a four-point plan to improve our educational system and provide training programs to help those already in the workforce to succeed. The plan can be read here.

Quality education begins with quality pre-school programs that prepare small children to learn, and there is not enough capacity in New Mexico’s Pre-K programs to meet the needs of our state. Once in elementary and middle school, our children need classrooms where there are enough quality teachers, aides and resources to provide a good learning environment. Students, at any age, need the motivation that comes from many small successes, and should never have to feel discouraged because their poor reading skills make it difficult for them to read their math, science or history books. By high school, teen-agers should be able to see a path to a promising future – whether it is a four-year or community college, or a vocational training program preparing for real jobs in New Mexico. There are good jobs in New Mexico, it’s time we start training a workforce to meet them.

Quality education is the cornerstone to improving the lives of all New Mexicans, and everyone who can make a difference needs to contribute. Although sound educational policies and the commitment to provide the resources to implement them are important, each county has different challenges. We need parents, community members, and businesses to get involved with their local schools if we are to finally fulfill our commitment to our children.