This new accreditation process emphasizes continuous improvement efforts. Districts are encouraged to regularly review their performances and make targeted adjustments throughout the year in multiple components.
Source: N.M. Public Education Department
Photo: Courtesy
For Carrie Hernandez, who oversees federal programs and curriculum instruction at Hatch Public Schools, the state’s updated accreditation process has brought the clarity districts have long needed.
This new accreditation process emphasizes continuous improvement efforts. Districts are encouraged to regularly review their performances and make targeted adjustments throughout the year in multiple components. This system supports a more proactive approach to school improvement.
“It’s been absolutely spot on,” Hernandez said. “Anytime we had a hiccup, I was able to contact Elizabeth, and she connected me with the right people right away.”
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Elizabeth Hughart, Federal Program Monitor Specialist, provides support to districts during the accreditation process by connecting schools to all the necessary resources to be successful.
In a small district where administrators juggle multiple roles, having a streamlined system and direct access to support has made a noticeable difference.
“For those of us who’ve been around a while, it’s really nice to finally have one way to do this,” she said.
The process, supported by the PED, is designed to better align planning with student outcomes. Hernandez said that the connection is already resonating at the school level.
“It helps my site principals understand that what they put into their plans directly impacts students,” she said. “And now, that work is actually being measured.”
Even with the challenges of implementing multiple initiatives at once, Hernandez described the rollout as collaborative and responsive.
“The conversations were not top-down,” she said. “It was very much, ‘Let’s figure out how we can help you.’ ” For Hernandez, that support – especially the ability to quickly connect with the right people – has been key.
“She’s a true connector,” she said. “She helps move things forward and gets you to the right next steps.”
While there’s still an adjustment period, Hernandez is confident in the direction the work is heading.
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