Source-krqe.com
Cradle to Career Educational Transformation
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has set an ambitious goal for her state: to lead the nation in transforming education from “cradle to career.” Speaking to oil and gas industry leaders at the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association’s annual conference, the governor acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence that New Mexico can become a model for educational reform across the United States.
“We’re going to lead a transformation in the country that changes those negative outcomes across the United States,” Lujan Grisham said. While she highlighted some positive developments such as reduced absenteeism and improved literacy rates, she noted that much more needs to be done. The governor stressed the importance of strategic investments in education, arguing that the state must allocate more resources to achieve significant improvements.
Lujan Grisham also emphasized the vital role of the fossil fuel industry, which contributes substantial funding to New Mexico’s educational system. “But without your money — so thank you — we can’t get it at the Permanent Fund,” she told industry leaders, referring to the state’s reliance on oil and gas revenues to fund public schools, universities, and early childhood programs.
Collaboration with Industry and Focus on Accountability
During the panel discussion, Tracee Bentley, President and CEO of the Permian Strategic Partnership, echoed the new mexico governor’s sentiments on the importance of education. Bentley acknowledged that despite legislative investments in education, performance outcomes remain stagnant. She highlighted the need for continued focus on education reform, stating, “All roads lead to education, because without a solid education, the rest kind of falls by the wayside.”
Governor Lujan Grisham expressed support for various programs aimed at boosting educational outcomes, including career technical training, free college, and free childcare. These initiatives, she said, are part of a comprehensive approach to support both students and their families over the long term. However, the governor also pointed out shortcomings in current educational structures, such as the lack of mandatory extended learning programs and the absence of strong accountability measures in schools.
She referenced her failed attempt to implement a 180-day school year, noting that many students are leaving school early in the day, which often leads to unproductive activities. “I’ve got seniors and juniors in high school that are home at 10:30 in the morning,” Lujan Grisham said, stressing the need for longer school days to keep students engaged.
Economic Implications and National Vision
Governor Lujan Grisham underscored the direct connection between educational quality and economic success, stating that the two are deeply intertwined. “They’re linked together. So if you don’t do one well, you don’t have the other,” she said. New Mexico’s energy sector, including its oil, gas, and renewable resources, plays a crucial role in the state’s economy, and Lujan Grisham believes that improving education will further strengthen economic growth.
The new mexico governor also highlighted the national implications of the state’s educational challenges, pointing out that poor literacy rates are a national concern. “We have the lowest literacy rates in America for any industrialized nation in the world. How is that possible when we lead everywhere? We have the best economy in the world. How is it that we’re an illiterate society? That’s outrageous,” she said.
Lujan Grisham concluded by expressing her vision for New Mexico to serve as a national model for educational reform, demonstrating how strategic investments, collaboration with industry, and accountability measures can lead to positive outcomes.
