We cannot attract highly qualified candidates to our businesses when they question the quality of our schools. Additionally, crime, quality of life and poverty are all related to the quality and the product of our schools. We are involved because we have a major stake in the outcome. We have no choice. The business community wants to be involved in education reform for several reasons.
Businesses are the end users of the public education system.
Albuquerque businesses hire students from the Albuquerque Public Schools after those children leave school. Over the last several years, it has become more and more obvious that children are leaving school devoid of the skills they need to succeed in the real world. Children need good math, reading and critical thinking skills, as well as an understanding of how to be a punctual, motivated, enthusiastic employee. That is why the Chamber, as part of its reform plan, is focused on Achieving High Expectations. If we set high standards for students and encourage all students to achieve, they will be able to leave school confident of their ability to thrive in whatever endeavor they choose to undertake.