APS Seeks Longer School Year for 20% of Students

The district used the results of a districtwide survey and public input to determine the amount of funding to request from the state.

On Monday, April 15, Albuquerque Public Schools submitted an application to the New Mexico Public Education Department to pay for a longer school year for 20 percent of the district’s students.

The application was based on the results of a districtwide survey as well as input from families, employees and the community. About 20 percent of survey respondents said they were interested in a longer school year. The district’s application reflects that interest. APS also learned that some students, families and employees want more options, and is working with the state on creating those options.     

Extended Survey Learning Results  

The application seeks state funding for 10 more days of school for 20 percent of students across the district. What those days look like and which students are served at each school will vary based on the diverse needs and desires of students, families, staff and communities.

For example:

• Some schools may offer a program similar to the APS Summer Learning Adventure, a popular hands-on, science-based summer camp for elementary and middle school students.
• Other schools may offer enrichment programs similar to those offered for a fee at other locations, perhaps focusing on art and music, science and technology, physical education and more.
• Some programs may pattern their offerings after the Genius Hour movement already in place at some APS schools allowing students to explore their passions and encourages creativity in the classroom by providing choices in learning.
• Secondary schools may choose to focus on bridge programs that help students transition from elementary to middle school and middle to high school, or test-prep classes, math and language arts strategies, or programs that focus on music and art, and vocational education.
• Schools also will have an opportunity to provide targeted intervention for students who struggle in reading and math. 

How, and even if, these programs are offered this summer ultimately will be up to the schools and the communities they serve.

“Just over a week ago, the governor signed legislation that provides more money for public education, and Albuquerque Public Schools wants to take advantage of this opportunity,” said APS Superintendent Raquel Reedy. “In the few days since, we have sought public input, surveyed our constituents, consulted with our peers, and pondered innovative possibilities. The result is an application that seeks to provide some of our students with more educational opportunities in the two weeks before school traditionally starts.”

While APS awaits a response from the state on its application, it will work with each school to see what types of targeted programs, if any, might be offered. APS also is working with a few schools that indicated an interest in the longer school year for all students.

In addition to submitting an application for the state’s Extended School Year Program, APS on Monday submitted a grant application for about 60 elementary schools interested in offering K-5 Plus, a 25-day program for this summer.

APS is working closely and collaboratively with PED to address issues as they come up. This is an ongoing process with a strict deadline. PED has committed to notifying districts of approved schools and programs by May 6. APS will continue to keep its students, families, staff and community up-to-date as the process proceeds.