Santa Fe Public Schools Reports Mixed Results in Proficiency Data
Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) released new testing data revealing mixed results for student proficiency in key subject areas. The data, covering the 2024-25 school year, shows a rise in reading scores, stability in math, and a decline in science proficiency. Approximately 42% of students are now deemed proficient in English language arts, an increase of 2 percentage points. Math proficiency remains unchanged at 22%, while science scores fell by 3.5 points to 32.6%.
District officials acknowledge the mixed outcomes but express optimism for future improvements. New curricula and programs are expected to enhance student performance in math, science, and reading. Beata Thorstensen, SFPS’s chief assessment officer for learning and school improvement, stated, “We have a significant amount of distance to cover,” yet emphasized that “we are headed in the right direction.”
Performance Disparities Across Schools
The proficiency data highlights persistent disparities among Santa Fe schools. The results, primarily derived from the New Mexico Measures of Student Success & Achievement (NM-MSSA) test for grades three to eight and the SAT for 11th graders, reflect a trend where schools on the northeast side of the city generally performed better. Schools in the south, which serve a higher percentage of English learners and low-income families, continued to face challenges.
Among the notable successes, Mandela International Magnet School experienced a remarkable 9-point increase in reading proficiency, reaching 83.33%. El Dorado Community School also reported an 8-point rise, achieving 80% proficiency. In mathematics, Acequia Madre and Atalaya Elementary Schools recorded improvements of 9 points and 7 points, respectively, both surpassing 50% proficiency.
Conversely, some schools like Sweeney Elementary School demonstrated an impressive 9-point increase in reading, bringing proficiency to 19%. E.J. Martinez Elementary and Milagro Middle School also defied trends in math with gains of 6 points and 5 points, raising their proficiency levels to 25% and 15%, respectively.
Statewide Trends and New Initiatives
The results from Santa Fe align with recent data released by the New Mexico Public Education Department, which reported improvements in reading statewide, although at a rate approximately double that of the district. Public Education Secretary Mariana Padilla attributed this growth to a structured literacy initiative launched in 2020, aimed at enhancing teachers’ skills in supporting struggling readers.
Thorstensen noted that the state has undertaken extensive efforts to elevate teachers’ competencies, and SFPS is already witnessing positive changes. Nearly all teachers in grades K-5 will receive training in this approach, according to Peter McWain, executive director of curriculum and instruction. Currently, 158 teachers have completed the training, while 224 are in progress. Additionally, 35 sixth-grade teachers are completing a similar program tailored for middle school students.
The district is also pursuing funding from the Public Education Department to establish math labs for grades K-2 at several schools, including Atalaya and Wood Gormley. These labs will provide targeted interventions for early math learners, similar to the structured literacy approach used in reading.
Moreover, the science curriculum is undergoing significant changes. SFPS is partnering with the K-12 science nonprofit OpenSciEd to implement a more narrative and hands-on approach to teaching science concepts. This initiative will focus on experiential learning and experimentation to help students grasp scientific principles.
Despite the challenges faced, including a reported 4.56% proficiency in math at Capital High School, Thorstensen highlighted even modest improvements as a positive sign for the district. She remarked, “That is a not insignificant amount of growth, regardless of the starting point,” and expressed pride in the district’s efforts to move the needle in student achievement.
As Santa Fe Public Schools continues to refine its educational strategies, officials remain committed to ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed. The new initiatives and programs are designed to foster equitable growth across all schools, combating the long-standing disparities that have hampered student performance.
