New Mexico Secretary of Education Mariana Padilla addressed the Chamber’s Education Bold Issue Group (BIG) group on Aug. 29, highlighting key initiatives and expressing appreciation for the strong partnership between her office, the Chamber and the business community.
Strengthening Educational Partnerships
Secretary Padilla opened her presentation by emphasizing the valuable alignment between the Public Education Department, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and NewMexicoKidsCan. She thanked both organizations for being excellent partners in the shared mission to improve the state’s education system, noting how effectively the three work together to advance student success.
Career-Connected Education Takes Center Stage
A major focus of the secretary’s comments centered on career and technical education (CTE), particularly at the secondary level. Padilla described her commitment to creating more intentional career-connected programs that engage students who might otherwise become disconnected from the education system.
Padilla commended the Chamber’s collaborative efforts with her in developing career-connected curriculum and diploma pathways, ensuring students graduate with skills directly applicable to New Mexico’s workforce needs. She announced an ambitious goal to increase statewide high school senior graduation numbers by 2,400 students. If we reach that goal, she said, New Mexico’s graduation rate would meet the national average.
Literacy: The Foundation for Success
Padilla identified literacy as a critical priority, outlining comprehensive plans to improve reading instruction across the state. The initiative focuses on enhancing elementary teachers’ skills in reading instruction, recognizing that effective literacy education must operate at scale to create meaningful change.
For the upcoming legislative session, Padilla plans to introduce a literacy bill containing specific mandates. The proposed legislation would require schools to ensure students achieve reading proficiency and mandate that teachers incorporate structured literacy approaches into their reading instruction. The initiative also includes implementing high-impact tutoring programs to support struggling readers. We look forward to continuing to support these initiatives in the upcoming session.
Innovative Learning Centers on the Horizon
The secretary also unveiled plans for a new literacy center to be established in Albuquerque, serving dual purposes as both a catch-up facility for students needing additional literacy support and a training hub for educators. This center represents a significant investment in addressing reading challenges at the source.
Additionally, Padilla announced the creation of a STEM institute focused on mathematics, technology, engineering and science instruction. This facility will provide teachers with enhanced training in math instruction while offering supplemental instruction for students requiring additional support in mathematics.
Special Education Receives Renewed Focus
Recognizing that special education students face unique challenges, Padilla discussed plans to renew legislation aimed at elevating special education services. She emphasized these students, who often struggle the most within the current system, deserve targeted support and resources. We could not agree more!
Funding and Systemic Improvements
The secretary highlighted several accomplishments during her tenure, including securing increased school funding through formula improvements. These financial investments support the broader vision of creating a more robust and effective education system throughout New Mexico.
Padilla’s comments demonstrated a balanced approach that combines immediate practical solutions with long-term strategic planning. Her emphasis on partnership with the business community reflects a recognition that successful education outcomes require collaboration among educators, employers and community stakeholders.
We appreciated the secretary’s comments and the steps she is taking to ensure all New Mexico students receive the education and support they need to succeed in their academic journey and future careers.