Sara Van Note

USDA Extends Discrimination Application Deadline

Sara Van Note — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:47:52 +0000

The USDA announced Monday it would extend the filing deadline in the program to compensate Hispanic and women farmers who were discriminated against in loan applications. The additional time may have been granted in response to low numbers of claims.

Skandera Sharply Questioned As Confirmation Hearing Drags On

Sara Van Note — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:54:20 +0000

The confirmation hearing for secretary-designate of education Hanna Skandera entered its third day this weekend. The governor’s pick for the state’s top education job faced tough questions from lawmakers. Members of the Senate Rules Committee focused on allegations that Skandera has connections to private companies and political operatives.

Skandera Sharply Questioned As Confirmation Hearing Drags On

Sara Van Note — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:51:53 +0000

The confirmation hearing for secretary-designate of education Hanna Skandera entered its third day this weekend. As KUNM'S Sara Van Note reports, the governor’s pick for the state’s top education job faced tough questions from lawmakers.

Members of the Senate Rules Committee focused on allegations that Skandera has connections to private companies and political operatives. Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino, a democrat from Albuquerque, charged that she violated state law when she overturned the Public Education Commission’s decision on virtual charter schools.

Skandera Confirmation Hearing Sparks Long Debate

Sara Van Note — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:28:48 +0000

The hearing to confirm Secretary-designate of education Hanna Skandera that began Friday continued in a contentious hours-long session on Saturday. It’s been a two-year wait for the former Deputy Commissioner of Education in Florida, who was appointed by Governor Susana Martinez in 2011.

Skandera Confirmation Kicks Off

Sara Van Note — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 01:22:22 +0000

In a surprise move announced just this week, the state legislature began proceedings today to confirm Hanna Skandera as New Mexico’s Secretary of Education. Formerly the Deputy Commissioner of Education in Florida, she has served as secretary-designate since Governor Susana Martinez appointed her in 2011. Since then she's faced criticism, and as KUNM'S Sara Van Note reports, that means her confirmation may not go smoothly.

"Ted" Talkers Make Case For Arts In Education

Sara Van Note — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:10:42 +0000

This month, educators gathered in Albuquerque for the first New Mexico Ted conference to focus on education. Over a dozen presenters gave short talks at the event, affiliated with the national nonprofit conference organizer “Ted.” Presenters spoke of the innovation required in an era of standardized tests. As schools have seen the arts squeezed out of their schedules in favor of academics, several speakers argued for preserving the critical role of art in education.

Dramatically Higher Grad Rate May Have Been Influenced By Skipped Test

Sara Van Note — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 23:06:30 +0000

Just days after Governor Susana Martinez announced big gains in New Mexico’s high school graduation rate, reports suggest an exit exam may be behind the change.

Many Hispanic Farmers Lukewarm Towards Discrimination Compensation

Sara Van Note — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Over the last 12 years, the USDA has settled landmark loan discrimination cases brought by black and Native American farmers. Now they’re offering $1.3 billion to Hispanic and women farmers to resolve discrimination that took place between 1981 and 2000. Yet many ranchers in the Southwest say it’s an unfair process that doesn’t go far enough to address past discrimination.

"Quality Counts" Survey Shows Challenges, Bright Spots in NM Schools

Sara Van Note — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 07:00:00 +0000

New Mexico’s K through 12 grade schools earned a middling C in the latest Quality Counts survey from EDUCATION WEEK.

But that average obscures bright spots as well as areas of deep distress within the state’s school system.

USDA Accepts Discrimination Claims for Hispanic and Women Farmers

Sara Van Note — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:24:19 +0000

Agricultural officials were in Bernalillo County Tuesday to encourage Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers to apply to a fund to address past discrimination. Affected farmers denied federal loans can apply for up to $250,000 in compensation.

Representatives from the US Department of Agriculture held a public meeting to explain the application process for filing claims.

Unions File to Stop New Teacher Evaluation System

Sara Van Note — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 23:18:26 +0000

Two local teachers unions have petitioned the New Mexico Supreme Court to stop a new teacher evaluation system.

The Albuquerque Teachers Federation and American Federation of Teachers-New Mexico assert that the actions of Governor Martinez and Secretary-designate of Education Hanna Skandera violate the state Constitution. The writ, which was filed last week, argues that the legislature should approve changes in teacher evaluation, not the executive branch.

Bilingual Education May Help Shrink Achievement Gap for Hispanic Students

Sara Van Note — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:06:00 +0000

Manny Bernal immigrated to El Paso from Chihuahua at the age of 12. He describes school then as “horrible,” because he didn’t speak any English. He says he was an “outcast.” But after his freshman year, he entered the bilingual program at his high school. He says, “It gives me a chance to keep my identity. It’s like a comfort zone. It’s like a place where you know you won’t get harassed. Where you’re just safe.”

Despite New Rule, Undocumented Students Face Uncertain Future

Sara Van Note — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 21:41:47 +0000

The "deferred action" plan enacted in June by the Obama administration offers certain undocumented young people two years of legal status to study or work. Undocumented students in New Mexico already have access to college. But many face difficult choices once they leave school.

It’s 8:30 a.m. and high school students are gathering at the entrance to South Valley Academy charter school in Albuquerque.

Students crossing campus switch between Spanish and English and a group of boys plays soccer on the basketball court.

Coonridge Goat Cheese

Sara Van Note — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 02:39:25 +0000

Listen

New Mexico – We tour a goat farm and learn how to make different kinds of cheese.

Voices from the City of Abq 1st Annual Community Seed Exchange

Sara Van Note — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 22:14:07 +0000

Listen

Albuquerque, NM – The City of Albuquerque hosted its first annual Celebrate Seed New Mexico event in Old Town recently. KUNM producer Sara Van Note was there and brings us this audio postcard of people who came to share seeds at the community seed exchange.