Highlights from the hours-long public forum on the proposed changes to the state’s social studies curriculum. Parents, teachers, activists and community members share their thoughts and concerns on the guiding principles used in the process, as well as the standards themselves. Host Gene Grant speaks with Jaqueline Costales of the Public Education Department about the proposed changes to the state’s social studies curriculum. Costales shares why changes are necessary in the first place, the process behind creating the new standards and addresses concerns parents and others have had about the new content.

The Line Opinion Panel dives into the debate over the state’s new proposed social studies standards. Panelists react to a breakdown of the standards from the Public Education Department, as well as public comment during a more-than 5-hour forum. Is there really as much opposition as some political forces would have you believe? Plus, the impact of the Yazzie-Martinez Lawsuit on these new standards.

The Line Panel also address the rising number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across New Mexico. Panelists weigh the merits of another mask-mandate extension and the growing number of children contracting the virus. Plus, how will a state Supreme Court ruling play into the use of billions of federal COVID relief dollars?

Line Opinion Panelists:

Dede Feldman, former state senator

Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group PR

Dave Mulryan, founder, Everybody Votes

Guests:

Jacqueline Costales, curriculum and instruction division director, New Mexico Department of Education

Julia Bernal (Sandia Pueblo, Yuchi-Creek Nation), executive director, Pueblo Action Alliance

More Information:

PED Social Studies Standards – PED Website

Full Public Forum on Social Studies Standards - Youtube

PED Hears Public Input on Proposed Changes - Santa Fe New Mexican

Trying to Understand the Fear of Critical Race Theory – New Mexico In Depth

Critical Race Theory Will Not Be Included in New Social Studies Standards - KRQE

Pueblo Action Alliance – Group Website

Protect Greater Chaco – Julia Bernal

New Mexico Department of Health - Health Department Website

Governor Pushes for More Vaccinations, Boosters - KRQE

New Mexico State Officials Give COVID-19 Update - Department of Health Facebook

COVID-19 Break through Cases Rising – Santa Fe Reporter