Last week, Albuquerque Public Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Gabriella Duran Blakey outlined her vision for the future during the first State of the District address. The event saw attendance from notable figures such as Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce’s Chairman Del Esparza, GACC CEO/President Terri Cole, and Sherman McCorkle, president of the Sandia Science and Technology Park.
Dr. Duran Blakey shared concerning statistics about the district's current performance:
- Only 38% of third-graders are proficient in reading.
- Only 26% of eighth-graders are proficient in math.
- Just 72% of seniors graduate on time.
“I recognize that we have a lot of work ahead of us, and we have a long road to get there, but I assure you that my sleeves are rolled up and I’m ready to do whatever is necessary to improve the academic outcomes for each and every one of our students at every level of APS. From our central office to our classrooms, we have hard working, very dedicated educators,” said Duran Blakey. “Each one of them wants our students to succeed, and that’s as true today as it was 133 years ago when Albuquerque Public Schools was founded.”
Blakey explained that the APS community has created goals and guardrails aimed at improving student outcomes, particularly for Native American, Black, economically disadvantaged students, English learners, and students with disabilities. The goals include:
- **Early Literacy**: Increasing third-grade proficiency in English Language Arts from 27.3% in May 2023 to 37.3% by May 2028.
- **Math Proficiency**: Raising eighth-grade proficiency in mathematics from 11.1% in May 2023 to 21.1% by May 2028.
- **Post-Secondary Readiness**: Enhancing high school graduates earning credit in advanced courses or certifications from 39.6% in September 2023 to 49.6% by September 2028.
- **Skills for Life Success**: Increasing key life skills demonstration by students by 10 percentage points across various metrics by 2028.
The superintendent emphasized that current leadership is focused on making changes to improve academic performance across all levels.
Having taken charge on July 1, Dr. Duran Blakey has already implemented several actions within two months:
- **Administrative Reorganization**: To better position the district’s central office for achieving outlined goals.
- **Strategic Plan Alignment**: Fine-tuning “Emerging Stronger” strategic plan for goal alignment.
- **Curriculum Consistency**: Standardizing content taught at each grade level across the district.
- **Teacher Training**: Training elementary teachers and principals in LETRS professional development program focused on structured literacy.
- **Community School Partnerships**: Expanding partnerships for student support services.
- **Fine Arts Expansion**: Ensuring art and music programs at every APS elementary school.
- **Attendance Initiatives**: Combating chronic absenteeism which affected nearly 31 percent of students last school year.