New Mexico First

Summit

Achievement Gap Solutions Summit

  • Overview
  • Agenda
  • Reports
  • Sponsors
  • Register

Event Overview

New Mexico’s young people are our greatest asset. However, some youth are slipping through the cracks by not succeeding in school or dropping out entirely. Our minority students are particularly vulnerable. Over the last five years, New Mexico has implemented major education reform and received national attention for it. We are seeing progress, but despite this progress, we still face challenges. Bolder action must be taken.

For this reason, the State of New Mexico Public Education Department conducted three summits, each addressing the unique needs of African American, Native American, and Hispanic/Latino students. Parents, teachers, students, and experts were invited to participate in the one-day summits. Attendees rolled up their sleeves to develop innovative, out-of-the-box recommendations and determine the next steps to address the achievement and graduation gaps.

The process was facilitated by the nonpartisan organization, New Mexico First, using its unique consensus-building approach.  Each summit began with a welcome from Governor Bill Richardson, followed by a nationally recognized keynote speaker who helped set the context for the issue.  During lunch, a panel of New Mexico student participants shared their views regarding the challenges. But the bulk of the summit was comprised of small group discussions among people interested in the topic and willing to work together to resolve the issue. The primary goal was to develop consensus-based recommendations. An action plan is being developed in order to move the summit’s recommendations forward in time for consideration at the 2010 New Mexico legislative session.

Prior to the summit, participants received a background report that provided valuable information on the progress made and the challenges ahead.  The report served as the basis for the discussions held during the summit.

Where and When?

We welcome your interest in the work of the summit. If you would like to receive a copy of the event’s outcomes, please email us at kristak@nmfirst.org.

African American Summit / COMPLETE
Monday, October 26, 2009

Native American Summit / COMPLETE
Monday, November 9, 2009

Hispanic/Latino Summit / COMPLETE
Tuesday, December 1, 2009