Albuquerque school lifts literacy scores

Albuquerque, N.M. Literacy proficiency has increased by approximately 20 percent at Mountain Mahogany Community School since the introduction of a specialized instructional program two years ago. The school, which serves students in grades three through five, currently reports a 47 percent literacy rate, a figure that exceeds both district and state averages according to New Mexico Public Education Department data.

The method, known as a literacy walk, groups students by their specific skill gaps instead of their assigned grade level. Structured literacy coach Alexandra Wilcox implemented the system after observing her own fourth-grade son struggle with reading. Wilcox stated that she sought a way to support him and realized other students faced similar challenges.

“It really like came down to just watching a kid really struggle with something that I personally believe is a human right, which is the right to learn how to read,” Wilcox said.

Each school day, students spend 50 minutes in mixed-level classrooms. Wilcox analyzes student data to determine which classroom best serves each child’s current needs. This approach allows for smaller group sizes, providing one-on-one instruction for students who need extra help while offering a more rigorous curriculum for those who are excelling.

Steven Gonzales, an 11-year-old fifth grader, enrolled at Mountain Mahogany about a year and a half ago. He noted that reading was more difficult before joining the program. Gonzales said the method has helped him improve in grammar, writing, and punctuation use.

“It’s really good that we get to like learn with people who are actually in our like level,” Gonzales said.

Wilcox said the school is not finished with its goals despite the current statistics. She hopes other districts in New Mexico will adopt similar strategies to help more students master reading skills.