As the new school year approaches, concerns regarding the grading system and student performance have taken center stage during a recent school board meeting. Students and community members voiced their frustrations over the previous year's implementation of standards-based grading, which many described as detrimental to both mental health and educational outcomes.

One student expressed that the grading system, which relied on only three assessments per standard, led to unstable grades and confusion among peers. The complexity of the system, coupled with inadequate support from the grading platform PowerSchool, left many students feeling overwhelmed. The student emphasized the need for clearer communication regarding assessment methods, urging the board to consult with both teachers and students to foster a more effective grading approach.

In a parallel discussion, Juan Chavez, a concerned parent, highlighted alarming statistics from the New Mexico Vista School Report Cards. He reported that Santa Fe Public Schools scored an average of just 53 out of 100 across 15 elementary schools, with math proficiency at a mere 28%, reading at 40%, and science at 32%. Attendance rates were equally troubling, with only 50% of students meeting the 90% attendance benchmark, significantly lower than comparable districts.

Chavez called for accountability from the school board, stressing that improving attendance could directly enhance academic performance. He noted that increasing attendance to 62% could potentially raise the number of regular attendees by over 1,000 students, which would likely lead to better proficiency scores in core subjects.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a pressing need for reform in both grading practices and student engagement strategies, as stakeholders seek to improve educational outcomes in the Santa Fe district. The board faces mounting pressure to address these issues as the new academic year begins.