New Mexico judge defers decision on disadvantaged students

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A lawsuit alleging that New Mexico's education system failed to meet its constitutional responsibilities is headed to trial after a state district judge on Monday denied requests for an early decision.

Tabet-Cubero said language in the New Mexico Constitution places the responsibility on state government to provide a free, uniform and sufficient public school system for all school-age children.

The state Public Education Department disputes those claims, pointing to expanded pre-kindergarten programs, more emphasis on reading, truancy and dropout prevention efforts adopted in recent years as well as professional development programs for teachers and principals.

Tabet-Cubero said that plan should include universal access to early-childhood education, extended learning opportunities after school and during the summer as well as programs to help offset the effects of poverty on learning, such as having more social workers in schools.