Source – www.lcsun-news.com
Success in Career Technical Education Programs
New Mexico high school students who participated in Career Technical Education (CTE) programs achieved remarkable success in the classroom last year. With a focus on practical career coursework, students studying fields such as law enforcement, architecture, manufacturing, and information technology saw a 95.7% graduation rate in 2023. This impressive figure stands in stark contrast to the overall statewide graduation rate of 76.7%. Over 64,000 students benefited from these programs, showcasing the effectiveness of New Mexico’s financial and academic investments in career-focused education.
State Investments and Innovative Programs
The New Mexico Public Education Department, under the leadership of Secretary Arsenio Romero, has made significant strides in enhancing CTE programs across the state. Janelle Taylor Garcia, a spokesperson for the department, highlighted the innovative and hands-on approach of program leaders during her visits to various high schools in Gadsden, Bernalillo, and Hatch. For instance, Hatch Valley Public Schools offers practical courses in agricultural power structures, greenhouse development, and animal care, providing students with valuable hands-on experience. Similarly, Bernalillo Public Schools expanded its Innovative Learning Space to include advanced technology and robotics, while Gadsden Independent School District responded to student demand by establishing a law enforcement program of study.
Recent legislative funding and grants have played a crucial role in expanding CTE programs. The New Mexico legislature allocated $40 million in both 2023 and 2024 for CTE through general appropriations and statewide grants. House Bill 198 further extended the reach of these programs to schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education. Taylor Garcia noted that the most significant state-funded CTE areas include architecture, construction, manufacturing, information technology, and health sciences. Additionally, the Careers2Communities grant and a new grant awarded in 2023 have been instrumental in embedding career exploration into core academic content and making CTE resources more accessible to students with disabilities.
Future Developments and Graduation Requirements
Looking ahead, New Mexico is poised to continue its commitment to CTE with new graduation requirements and the establishment of a Career and Technical Education Statewide Advisory Board. House Bill 171, effective for students entering ninth grade in the 2025-2026 school year, mandates that students complete one unit of a career cluster course, workplace readiness, or a language class other than English. Additionally, students will be required to follow a two-unit pathway that includes CTE programs. These changes aim to better prepare students for the workforce and enhance their career readiness.
Graduation rates for students in “at-risk” subgroups, identified by the Yazzie-Martinez lawsuit as students with disabilities, those living in poverty, English learners, and Native Americans, were also notably high. In 2023, these students achieved graduation rates above 97% when enrolled in CTE concentrations. To further support these initiatives, the Career and Technical Education Statewide Advisory Board will launch in August. This board will unify various groups already supporting CTE programs and will include representatives from business, industry, and education across the state. The first meeting is scheduled for August 9, marking a significant step forward in the continued advancement of career technical education in New Mexico.
In conclusion, New Mexico’s focused investment in career technical education has led to impressive graduation rates and has provided students with valuable skills and hands-on experience. With ongoing support and new initiatives, the state aims to further enhance the success and impact of its CTE programs.
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