PED connects New Mexico schools with targeted support to improve academic performance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: New Mexico Public Education Department    
Janelle Taylor García, Ph.D.,   janelle.garcia@ped.nm.gov, 505-709-5543

Sept. 14, 2026

PED connects New Mexico schools with targeted support to improve academic performance
 Accreditation findings, NM Vistas results help PED tailor assistance to school needs

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) is using findings from the state's new accreditation system and spring 2026 test results from statewide assessments to connect schools with customized support that addresses local needs and improves student outcomes.

“Accountability must lead to action, and these results give schools clear information about where students and educators need support, while helping the PED bring the right assistance to each school,” said Public Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla. “Our focus is helping schools build the systems, instructional capacity and local leadership needed to deliver stronger academic outcomes for every student.”

Accreditation, statewide assessment findings and next steps  

Of the 830 schools reviewed during the 2025-26 accreditation pilot year, 252 received Approved status and 578 received Approved with Conditions. No school received Disapproved status during the pilot year.

The annual accreditation system evaluates evidence across 10 components, which include governance, financial accountability, attendance, school safety, staffing, Indian Education Act requirements and student outcomes.

Approved with Conditions carries the same legal status as Approved while identifying areas that need attention. This designation applies when a school does not meet every applicable accreditation requirement or scores at or below the 10th percentile on the 2026 NM Vistas Index, the state’s school accountability system that measures performance using indicators such as academic achievement, student growth, attendance and graduation rates. These findings allow PED and local leaders to focus assistance on each school's specific needs.

The accreditation announcement accompanies the release of 2025-26 NM Vistas school ratings and spring 2026 statewide assessment results. Assessment results show continued progress in literacy proficiency, while mathematics proficiency remained steady.

As a result of these statewide test scores, 17 schools improved their ratings. Sixty-seven schools received supervisory designations as required under federal law. A supervisory designation signals that added support and action are needed because of low performance, graduation-rate concerns or persistent gaps among student groups.

To promote transparency and help schools address potential reporting gaps, the PED maintains a public evidence review dashboard that tracks accreditation reporting deadlines and ongoing evaluations. Department bureaus also work directly with school and district staff throughout the year to clarify requirements and resolve reporting issues.

Between September and December, PED staff will conduct site visits with schools and districts identified as in need of intervention. Through these technical assistance visits, the department will help local teams strengthen the conditions that lead to lasting improvement: equity and culture, leadership, instructional infrastructure, talent management, and support and accountability.

School redesign shows support in action

Eagle Peak Career Academy in Central Consolidated School District illustrates how targeted support and local redesign can work together. Formerly Career Prep Alternative School, Eagle Peak completed an intensive restructuring process supported by the PED and reopened in August 2026 with a focus on career pathways and career technical education. The school now reviews student data weekly, closely tracking attendance and course grades so that intervention occurs early. Building strong relationships with students is a school priority: every student is assigned a teacher who maintains regular communication about academic progress and needs for support. Since reopening, the school has reported significant improvements in attendance and academic achievement.

“This redesign has allowed us to build a more supportive, student-centered school where we can identify challenges early and connect every student with the guidance they need to succeed,” said Eagle Peak Career Academy Principal Brian Paniagua. “Our focus on strong relationships, consistent progress monitoring and meaningful career pathways is already making a difference.”

Established under 6.19.4 NMAC, the annual accreditation system evaluates evidence across 10 components, including governance, financial accountability, attendance, school safety, staffing, Indian Education Act requirements and student outcomes. The 2025-26 pilot included schools in the federal accountability system and will expand to the full scope required by law in future years.

Additional information is available on the PED's Accreditation webpage. School ratings and designation data are available through NM Vistas.

Additional information is also available in the following document: NM Vistas vs. Accreditation.

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