Albuquerque Public Schools
As the First Semester Ends, I'm as Hopeful as Ever
It's been a whirlwind, but there's plenty more to do.
As the end of the first semester approaches, I’ve been asked by a variety of media outlets in Albuquerque – and a lot of people around town – how the first semester has gone, both for me and APS.
I’m happy to say it’s been invigorating and productive. Not perfect, by any means, but I can see the school district gaining traction on a lot of fronts.
More than ever, I’m convinced our teachers, principals, families and students are focused on improving outcomes. I credit our Board of Education for setting a foundation on that effort – its push for student-focused outcomes is clear in every classroom I visit. I’ve seen a lot of them; I’ve been to 50 schools since August.
That’s important. When you have clear direction, it’s easier to prioritize and stay true to the mission.
But I also credit the people at APS with grasping that initiative and running with it. It’s clear everyone wants to improve – and often, to shed the sometimes-natural inclination to do it the way we’ve always done it.
Change is hard, but our people have embraced it. And even when we’ve fallen short, there’s a determination to give it another try. In some ways, everyone – even adults – works on the District’s Goal 4: improving our habits and mindsets as we go about our daily routines.
I try to lead by example. In all honesty, I’m impatient when it comes to improvement. I feel a deep responsibility to see that our systems and our actions help move us forward in an expeditious manner.
But I also know people are human, and they need to be encouraged and supported – even if they fall short of complete success. It’s one of the most telling things I’ve learned in this job: You must always demand the best, but also be prepared to find ways to help people along the way, even if they are struggling. We are a team. I’m always mindful of that.
Certainly, we’ve faced challenges. I am always aware of the security issues that face our schools – it’s one shared by every superintendent in communities large and small. And yet, as I say that, I know we’ve implemented devices like Centegix badges and instituted a wonderful Integrated Support Team to help our students and staff.
We’ve also seen great successes. Ventana Ranch Elementary School was named a Blue Ribbon School recipient in the first semester – one of only three New Mexico schools to receive the honor. I’m so proud of that community, and yet, as I say that, I know we have many, many other APS schools that are equally deserving.
Almost as soon as I talk to media members and others about the first semester, I also feel the need to talk about where we’re going in the spring. We are determined, absolutely determined, to create a better future for students who receive special education services. We are continuing to concentrate on interim assessments, the tests that let our students, families and teachers know how we’re doing in real time. We’re going to continue to work with our Legislature and community to deal with difficult questions like funding, right-sizing and other issues.
The list goes on.
If you want to know more details, they’re on the APS.edu home page at this link: Dr. Blakey: A First-Semester Report.
In short, I’m not going to slow down a bit from what I have to admit has been a whirlwind first semester. Alongside our 68,000 students and 12,000 employees, I’m going to double down in the next semester – pushing ahead, while always remembering that I also need to lend a helping hand and an open ear.
Have a great weekend!