New Mexico adopts 180-day school calendar after public feedback
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) has adopted a statewide requirement of a minimum of 180 instructional days. The calendar rule will go into effect with the 2024-2025 school year.
The adopted rule allows for four-day school weeks and requires a minimum daily attendance for high school students – high schoolers must attend at least 3.5 instructional hours per day, or an equivalent amount of time in an apprenticeship, work-study, dual-credit program, job, community service, or similar program, PED says.
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A few schools will be exempt from the 180-day minimum under the adopted rule. Early college high schools will be exempt as well as some schools determined by the education secretary to be showing growth in reading and language arts.
“In order to equalize instructional time across the state, we have chosen to adopt the 180-day calendar rule,” Public Education Secretary Arsenio Romero said in a press release. “We must improve student outcomes across the state, our students deserve better, and that begins with quality instructional time in the classroom. We know that this will be a key to turning the tide on academic performance in the state.”
The latest rule comes after lawmakers worked to increase instructional time and after hearing feedback from New Mexicans.
Senator Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte) released the following statement following the announcement:
“This rule adoption comes as a surprise in light of the overwhelming pushback from school administrators, teachers, and legislators on both sides of the aisle. Not only does it circumvent the Legislature’s intent regarding instruction time, but it places undue burden on our school districts, especially in rural New Mexico.”
“My local superintendents are still combing through the details, but based on my early conversations with them, significant issues and questions remain. I believe those best suited to make these decisions are those closest to the students, and as such, I will
continue to oppose efforts by PED to seize more control from our school boards and administrators.”
Teachers have voiced their concerns about the rule change saying this will drive some to leave the business.
“If that’s chipped away, I’ve heard a lot of comments about I’m going to leave the field or if they’re eligible to retire the next couple years, might as well just do it now,” said Whitney Holland, president of the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico.
“If you’re a teacher who’s a parent, and you’re saying, this is making my life harder, I’m not able to deliver the content or the quality of instruction my kids deserve. I think the PED needs to hear that message,” said Holland.
