Instructional outcomes for math, literacy among 6 priorities
Las Cruces Public Schools continues to make steady progress toward its six strategic goals, with recent updates presented by district leadership to the LCPS Board of Education. The plan outlines the instructional, educational environment and engagement goals for LCPS and provides for a continuous cycle of improvement over the next five years. Following the implementation of the plan in 2024, LCPS Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz recently shared data and insights that highlight growth, challenges and next steps in the district’s mission to support every student.
Instructional Outcomes in Literacy and Math
Dr. Wendi Miller-Tomlinson, Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, explained during an extended work session of the LCPS Board of Education that since the plan’s inception, the district reported progress in student growth for literacy and math. While 59 percent of students met their typical growth goals last academic year, all students demonstrated learning gains. Miller-Tomlinson notes not all met the expected benchmarks, but the plan allows for revision and adjustment to address the gap.
“The typical growth goal means, for example, a student reading at a third-grade level is expected to reach the fourth-grade level within a year,” explained Dr. Miller-Tomlinson. “Students are growing, but the measure helps teachers tailor instruction to ensure growth is both meaningful and measurable.”
Board members noted the importance of looking at both year-to-year proficiency and cohort performance to get a full picture of student progress. Superintendent Ruiz added, “Our approach is about meeting students where they are. While we haven’t reached 100 percent of growth targets, the progress reflects the work of our teachers and students.”
Environment: Mental Health and Wellbeing
Dr. Roberto Lozano, LCPS Chief of Educational Equity and Support Programs, recently commented on data the district collected related to Goal 3, which focuses on mental health and wellbeing. LCPS combined survey results, wellness walk-throughs in classrooms and other data sources to establish a baseline. Areas of strength included student wellness and physical activity, while opportunities for growth were identified in family engagement and employee wellness.
“This work gives us a clearer picture of where our families, staff, and students need additional support,” Dr. Lozano said. “It helps us target resources where they can make the most impact.”
Environment: Safety
Chief of Operations Steve Rodriguez reported that the district has met its immediate safety goal with the installation of Evolv security systems in all high schools and middle schools, along with upgraded door locks districtwide. Moving forward, the district will enhance its goals by requiring 100 percent completion and documentation of safety drills, along with regular safety team meetings at every campus.
Engagement: School Culture, Climate, and Attendance
Dr. Lozano and Amy Himelright, Executive Director of Academic Counseling and Behavioral Health, shared updates on school climate and attendance. While chronic absenteeism remains a challenge, particularly at the high school level, the district has implemented new strategies and incentives to improve student attendance and reported a three percent improvement in attendance. A recent $10,000 donation from Sisbarro Automotive will help fund high school attendance incentives throughout the current school year.
“The pandemic shifted how families and students engage with school,” said Himelright. “We’re adapting to meet those needs while keeping our focus on student success.”
Strategic Plan as a Living Document
LCPS Board President Pamela Cort praised the work of district staff and emphasized the board’s role in keeping the strategic plan relevant.
“This is our mission and vision in action,” said Cort. “The goals must adapt as we learn from the data and listen to our teachers, parents and students.”
Superintendent Ruiz added, “The strategic plan is about more than numbers. It’s about students. Data helps us support teachers in the classroom and ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
LCPS will continue to provide regular updates on progress toward the six strategic goals:
Instructional Outcomes – Literacy
Instructional Outcomes – Math
Environment – Mental Health & Wellbeing
Environment – Safety
Engagement – School Culture & Climate
Engagement – Attendance
For more information on the LCPS Strategic Plan, including progress updates, visit the Strategic Plan page on the LCPS website.
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