On March 1, 2014, a group of approximately 100 individuals met to discuss education in Dona Ana County. The day is significant because the idea of a “county-wide education partnership” was launched. The group was comprised of students, parents, teachers, NMSU professors, several community leaders including some elected officials.
Recognizing the challenge of improving educational outcomes, the group focused on positive elements of our youth, teachers, parents and community. The various presentations and comments throughout the day made it clear that there are many things to be proud of. How people view our youth is at the heart of creating positive change.
The presentation on Collective Impact described how educational outcomes can be improved when multiple sectors join efforts. It is not enough to ask teachers to do all the teaching. Parents play a very important role in education. But so does every other sector throughout the county.
The day included a few short presentations from the following individuals: Senator Bill Soules, Frank R. López (Ngage New Mexico), Jane Asche (Ngage New Mexico), Maria Flores (Children’s Reading Foundation), Sherry Reese Gill (The Bridge of Doña Ana County), Mary Parr-Sanchez (National Education Association), Dr. Crístobal Rodríguez (NMSU), Anita G. Rodríguez (Ngage New Mexico). The convening intentionally focused on positive aspects of the community.
A website for the County-wide Cradle to Career Partnership will be up soon.