The LESC and the LFC have recently coined a new term, "gaming the system". They are using the term to describe schools and school districts that place multiple schools in one building in an effort to cut down on facility costs, infrastructure costs, personnel costs, etc. If the legislature has its' way, and the new Governor agrees, 27 school districts and multiple charter schools throughout New Mexico will absorb 12 million dollars in budget cuts - or be forced to close down.
The three schools that comprise the Southwest Learning Center in Albuquerque, (Southwest Primary, Southwest Intermediate, and Southwest Secondary Learnign Center) have historically been among the highest academically performing schools in the state. If the legisation passes, the schools will be forced to close. Additionally, districts from Alamogordo and Animas to Tatum and Vaughn will be forced to cut services, teachers, or both to balance budgets.
What is the legislature thinking? By housing multiple schools in one building schools only have to pay for one facility, one gymnasium, one computer lab. They achieve an "economy of scale" that should be emulated - not torn apart.
A look at the most successful school models in New Mexico shows that the successful schools follow this model. This includes the Albuquerque Academy, Bosque Prep, the New Mexico Military Institute, and many, many others.
Additionally, housing multiple schools together also improves the quality of education and student learning! No longer do middle school teachers pass students on to high school teachers and never see the kids or receiving teacher again. Instead, they pass those teachers daily in the hall, they interact with the students daily in the cafeteria. A level of accountability - so often lacking in large, traditional school systems exists, and everybody is the better for it.
Finally, safety is enhanced for students. When multiple schools are consolidated in one place, more adults are present to look after students. This level of supervision is unattainable when schools are spread out in multiple buildings and campuses.
We must change legislative minds - and terminology. "Gaming the system" is a misnomer. When you hear this term thrown around as gospel - correct it. Rephrase as "Economy of scale". New Mexico taxpayers and New Mexico's most vulnerable school children (those in charter schools and small, rural communities)need your help!
Wow! Why is it that when something begins to work politicians begin to think "they know better" and things only get worse?
ReplyDeleteThe heck with them - keep doing what you're doing.
Who would we call to tell how much we love our school?
ReplyDeleteMy kids will not attend any other school. They have been here since the 4th grade and this is THEIR school. We must do all that we can to save these schools. The level of higher education that students receive here must be preserved so that students can reach their goals; so they can fulfill their dreams. The students need to continue to be encouraged to think and learn independently, so they can enter the adult world with confidence knowing that each of them is a worthy person able to do anything they wish to do and accomplish great feats. Those who have graduated still return, knowing these schools are, not were, their schools, their home away from home; knowing that we will always be here; knowing that they can come "home" anytime, and they will be welcomed with open arms, always. We must save our schools.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great concept, coordinating grade levels and teachers with a common purpose that maximizes effectiveness and efficiency! It is unthinkable to force the extraordinary leaders of three great schools to close the doors to kids who are achieving and happy. The Southwest Learning Centers have tangible results that demonstrate that small schools are better. Perhaps NM should turn the focus to the schools who have failed kids and parents for many decades instead of attempting to crush the finest in the name of cost savings.
ReplyDeleteMy son is in 11th grade. He came back to the SSLC this year after 2 years at another private high school. He missed his friends and his ability to self direct his course of studies. There are very few schools in this state that let the student finish classes at an accelerated rate. New Mexico is already considered a very poor performer among other states as far as education. Do we really want to demolish one of our premier charter schools so the legislature can say they're saving money?
ReplyDeleteI was actually concerned about having my 4th grader in the same location with high schoolers. When we attended the open house, I asked several of the young people there about this. I asked them if they had been at SLC since 4th or 5th grade, about being with older kids, about drugs, and if they felt they were missing out on the experiences of their peers at traditional high schools. I was so impressed by what these young people had to say and the confidence and poise with which they carried themselves. They spoke of a family atmosphere in which they were responsible for the younger kids and "looked out for them." As for what they were missing from traditional APS high schools? Drugs, peer pressure to be wreckless, and bullies--No thanks!!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the state thinking? Southwest is enormously successful partly BECAUSE it is three schools housed in one. The older students help the younger in many ways, and the extra staff available to assist and supervise our kids is wonderful. My sons were exposed to many things in traditional elementary and middle schools they have not had to deal with in the 4 years we have been at Southwest! Save our schools !!
ReplyDeleteSo the state legislature actually WANTS schools to maximize taxpayer costs by sprawling out to multiple buildings? That's absolutely insane! With logic like this, it is no wonder APS can't compete with the performance of charter schools and that our state cannot balance the budget.
ReplyDeleteWhen are they going to STOP buying jets, hiring personal chefs, and setting up "sweet deal" contracts with their buddies, and START tending the educational needs of our children? If APS spent half as much time on improving the public schools as they do trying to tear down charter schools, our state would be in the top 10% national ranking instead of at the bottom.