Education digest - June 8

Students could get extended year

Kindergarten through third-grade students at Clovis Municipal Schools could be eligible for an extended school year, according to Joe Strickland, CMS deputy superintendent.

This is the second year CMS will be participating in a statewide program called K-3 Plus.

In 2007, the New Mexico State Legislature created K-3 Plus as a pilot project “to demonstrate the increased time in kindergarten and the early grades narrows the achievement gap between disadvantaged students and other students,” according to the New Mexico Public Education Department.

The project provided funding for high poverty public schools to begin instruction 25 days early for students in kindergarten through third grade.

CMS received a grant for $333,960 from the state, which will fund an extended school year for 240 students who qualify for the program, according to Strickland.

The extended school year will begin July 3 and run until Aug. 7. The regular school year resumes Aug. 14.

Strickland said that the program is not like summer school. It is designed to allow students to have additional time with the regular school-year teacher.

He said the district is “working toward” getting students into extended year classrooms with their regular assigned school year teacher, but until there is enough funding and enough educators to be a part of the program, his main focus is to keep the children in an educational setting for as much time as possible.

“I’m excited about it, I think it’ll be great for our kids,” Strickland said, “(Many children) wind up playing video games and watching TV (in the summertime).”

Last year, 35 students participated in the extended school year program.

So far, there is no data to show if the program is effective at assisting students’ transition into the next grade.

The deputy superintendent said he would like to see the program grow. He said Roswell is participating in the program as well, with 1,400 students enrolled and he has hopes to get to the same level.

According to Strickland, nine schools in the district qualify to participate based on economic disadvantage.

CCC, ENMU start summer classes

Summer classes are under way at Clovis Community College and Eastern New Mexico University.

Information:

CCC website or call 575-769-4025.

ENMU website or call 575-562-2175.

Program, services agreement signed

The Mescalero Apache Tribe and Eastern New Mexico University have signed a memorandum of understanding.

“The collaborative arrangement commits the (campus in Ruidoso) to deliver academic programs and services to the Mescalero Apache Tribe and commits tribal officials to continue their support of higher education for its members,” according to an ENMU news release.

Classes are being offered at the ENMU-Ruidoso campus, the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino and online.

Education digest is compiled by Stephanie Losoya. Contact her at:

[email protected]