For many years, the United States was revered as an education leader among nations largely because of three factors: our focus on educating the whole child, our access to universal secondary education and our success in expanding higher education opportunities beyond the elite class.
Today, however, other countries are taking the lead. Education experts note that this is not because the U.S. education system has gotten worse; rather, it is because our system has failed to evolve and respond to the challenges of our times.
Yet in New Mexico we remain committed to a vision of a world-class education system that does more than ensure our economic competitiveness.
AFT New Mexico seeks an education system that fosters democracy, advances society and promotes the rich cultural diversity of our state.
We must sharpen our focus on a public school system that addresses poverty and promises to leave no child or family behind.