APS board accepts midyear early-literacy report as principals and teachers describe gains from 'teaching to the top'

The Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education on Feb. 5 accepted the district's midyear progress monitoring report on early literacy, after a presentation by the superintendent's team and public comments from principals and teachers who described a district-wide shift to "teaching to the top."

The formal action came after Superintendent Dr. Gabriela DurE1n Blakely and her academic leadership team described district supports and professional development tied to newly adopted instructional materials and interventions; Board Member Britney Jackson moved to accept the report and the motion passed on a roll-call vote.

District presenters and school leaders framed the work as coordinated steps: adoption of new high-quality curriculum (Savvas), professional learning focused on grade-level first instruction, and tiered interventions for students who need additional support. Antonio Gonzales, deputy superintendent for leadership and learning, Sherry Jett, chief academic officer, and Sharon Olguin, associate superintendent for elementary education, described learning labs,…