Gov. Lujan Grisham’s announced $30 million “literacy institute” drew groans from conservatives online. New Mexico education spending has exploded on a per-pupil basis in recent years as oil and gas money has boosted spending and fewer students are in the public system (NM is now ranked 20th nationwide per-pupil). The State spends more than $4 billion for results that by all accounts are abysmal.
So, what’s another $30 million “literacy institute” going to do? If the money results in improved teaching of reading and better student outcomes it will be money well spent. On the other hand, New Mexico already spends more than $15,000 per-student and fails to get the results of states that spend closer to $10,000 per student. This doesn’t even include all those education degrees for teachers who should have been taught to read in their college of education.
So, if it works, great, $30 million is a drop in the bucket in a State that already spends more than $4 billion on the worst results in the nation. Of course, Mississippi is just one of large number of states that has dramatically improved education outcomes at a fraction of the cost that New Mexico achieves the very worst outcomes.
I don’t know if it’s a serious attempt or a publicity grab. And neither do you. The right are always great at complaining about things not working. But I didn’t notice a New Mexico miracle when Susanna Martinez was governor. Personally, I want our public school students to have a safe space and an excellent education. Football, Homecoming, culture wars and any other activities not related to that should be optional if the school is not achieving.
Think maybe will be a good investment. Mississippi Phonetics training. Think is worth the shot, we’re like 50th, right? What really bugs me is what are newly minted educators learning? Don’t they know how to teach kids how to freaking read? I know this young woman. Won’t say her name. She’s a “teacher” at APS. Can’t pass the state Education test tho. And yet she’s teaching. I just shake my damn head.
I give her hell. Take the dang test. Isn’t that hard. I took Mensa test. Wasn’t that hard. She won’t of course. She’s an APS educator now. Wouldn’t wish that “education” on my worst enemy. There ‘a saying, not sure I get it right. Unlike APS students. Something like “enter as a freshman, graduate a criminal.” Don’t understand why so many work so hard to fail so badly. Never understood that. Wont work to fail so bad. Is against all my instincts.