South Valley Academy’s results should be lauded

IN THE recent article, “What’s in a Grade,” N.M. Public Education Secretarydesignate Christopher Ruszkowski suggested “clamping down” on a high school’s use of college acceptance letters to allow students to graduate. He claimed some colleges do not require any academic standards to be accepted. Before eliminating the possibility of a high school diploma for the majority of South Valley Academy’s students, Ruszkowski needs to research college admissions requirements and the academic reputation of SVA’s graduates. Ninety-seven percent of the Class of 2017 received admission to colleges, with over $1.3 million in scholarships offered.

But the bigger misunderstanding comes from the dismissal of South Valley Academy’s accomplishments. According to the UNM’s Evaluation Lab, only six percent of Hispanics in Albuquerque’s South Valley have a college degree. The road to and through college remains incredibly challenging for first-generation students from low-income, mostly immigrant families. South Valley Academy’s principal, Julie Radoslovich, reported 38 percent of graduates completing college, but this average does not reflect the alumni’s growing college persistence, which has reached a 50 percent graduation completion rate.

A college diploma earned is worth more than a high school diploma withheld.

SHELLEY ROBERTS College advising consultant Albuquerque