Albuquerque school district delays vote on school reopenings
February 4, 2021 GMT
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) The largest school district in New Mexico has delayed the vote on how to move forward with schools reopening, and it has planned to revisit the discussion at a coming meeting.
The Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education met Wednesday to discuss a plan presented by Interim Superintendent Scott Elder that would have allowed kids to return in phases starting Feb. 22.
Elder is now expected to present a different plan that would likely focus on small groups of students. The district’s next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 17.
Feb 2, 2021
From KOB-TV:
Albuquerque Public Schools will reportedly start in-person learning Feb. 22, according to an email from the Albuquerque Teachers Federation (ATF).
Officials from Albuquerque Public Schools have not officially confirmed these start dates.
According to the email from ATF, the proposed schedule requires staff to return to the classroom while continuing remote learning for four days the week of Feb. 16. Hybrid learning for small groups 25% of the class will begin Feb. 22. Hybrid learning will expand to the 50% model March 8. Spring break is planned for the week of March 22.
ATF expressed concerns that the district is rushing its return to the classroom. The union also said it d like to stick with the December plan of not reopening the district until the county is in the green tier. ATF would also like to see all educators vaccinated before returning, and that the return of sports not be contingent upon whether a school district is in hybrid learning.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced last week that all school districts and all grades could reopen for hybrid learning starting Feb. 8, however some teachers said they’re feeling hesitant about heading back to the classroom.
Lawmaker Proposes Overhaul To Graduation Requirements
SFNM
A New Mexico lawmaker who works in education is proposing an overhaul to the state’s high school graduation criteria in a bill that would reduce the number of required classes and give students the option of skipping Algebra 2.
Rep. G. Andrés Romero, D-Albuquerque, has introduced House Bill 83, which also would allow students to choose a capstone class a long-term project exploring an interest, such as a profession or social issue in lieu of a core subject.
Under the bill, a high school student opting for the capstone would have to work with an educator to ensure the project meets certain state standards.