The state of New Mexico is determined to improve their educational system and recent recognitions have proven this. According to the National Education Association, www.nea.org, the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education gives New Mexico a score of 91 for its proportion of college-bound high school seniors - the 11th highest score in the country.
While more than 50 percent of public high schools in New Mexico offer AP (Advanced Placement) courses, only 40 percent of New Mexico's private high schools offer these advanced courses. These numbers increased by one percent in 2005, according to a state summary report from the College Board, www.collegeboard.com.
So what graduation requirements exist for the New Mexico high school student? The following is the core curriculum determined by the New Mexico Department of Education:
- Four credits English (emphasis on literature and grammar)
- Three credits mathematics (one must be equivalent to algebra one level)
- Three credits science (one with laboratory component)
- Three credits social science (including US and world history, geography, government and economics)
- One credit physical education
- One credit communication skills or business education (emphasis on writing and speaking - may include a foreign language)
- 1.5 credits New Mexico history
- 7.5 credits state-approved electives
In addition to the previous core curriculum, each student must pass the statewide assessment before qualifying for graduation. The exam will consist of proficiency tests in English, reading, writing, science, math and social science.
