By KRWG News
New Mexico – New Mexico's student assessment program has earned full approval from the U.S. Department of Education.
State education officials say New Mexico was one of only 23 states to receive approval in all content areas.
The assessments measure students' knowledge of the standards that educators, local business leaders and the public determined are important for success in college, career and life.
All states are required to participate in standards and assessments review processes under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Education Secretary Veronica Garcia says it's important that assessments give New Mexico a true picture of what its students can expect as they progress through school. When students do well on the assessments, she says she knows they will succeed in New Mexico and elsewhere.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.