Danielle’s ABQ Journal Op-Ed: APS has the right vision and plan to improve student outcomes

It’s easy to become distracted by the crisis of the day, a riveting sound bite or a valid concern that’s being addressed — but sometimes just not fast enough.

It’s at those moments when a school district has to keep its eye on the prize. And in the case of Albuquerque Public Schools, the prize is improved outcomes for each and every student.

As Superintendent Gabriella Blakey prepares to give her second State of the District address on Tuesday, I’d like to offer my thoughts as president of the Board of Education.

Here’s the bottom line: The state of APS is far from perfect — but it is improving, thanks in large part to our dedicated employees, amazing students, supportive community and a new model of governing and district leadership that is focused on student outcomes.

As you may recall, the board adopted this student-outcomes focused model in 2022 with the goal of bringing a clarity of mission, both for ourselves, as elected officials who oversee the district and superintendent, and to the day-to-day work that goes on at APS’ 140-plus schools.

By focusing on what matters most — our students — we’re able to show how APS is doing — and direct resources where they are needed most. I’m happy to report that the district under Blakey has made major steps toward addressing structural deficiencies that affect the way we teach our students — particularly our English-language learners; Native Americans; Black students and those who receive special education services.

In January 2023, the board adopted four five-year goals, all based entirely on feedback from the APS community. Two of them were specifically aimed at improving reading and math proficiency rates for those critical student groups. Another goal is about making sure our students are prepared for life after graduation by helping more students earn college credit, get certified for real-world jobs or show they’re bilingual — giving them a head start no matter what path they choose.

Our fourth goal focuses on teaching students real-world skills like staying motivated, handling stress and working well with others — skills that matter in school, at work and in life.

I’m pleased to share that APS is making progress toward each of the four goals. And we know that is not enough. Too many APS students are still not reading or doing math at the level they should be; and that needs to change.

Still, the slow, hard climb upward goes on, often unnoticed by both the media and general public. We are but two years into a difficult process of turning the proverbial aircraft carrier. Now we’ve got it facing in the right direction, thanks to changes in how the district operates like getting more central office staff into schools and classrooms, instead of administrative offices; providing more high-quality, inclusive curriculum, and the training educators need to implement it; and involving families, staff and communities in the decisions that impact them.

I could go on. All around our community, APS success stories are multiplying. Perhaps not as quickly as we’d like, but progress is progress. And as the district rolls out new approaches to high school (Academies of Albuquerque) and middle school (Next Education Workforce Initiative), improvement will continue.

Though we may not agree on all matters, we are united in our goal of improving the education and wellbeing of all our students.

Do that, and Albuquerque will have a better and brighter future. That’s the vision, and if we remain focused on student outcomes, stay the course on implementing new changes and work together, it will become our reality.