We’ve been paying close attention to the conversation surrounding Amira in New Mexico’s public schools, and like many parents, educators, and community members, we’re still learning.
The more we learn, the more questions we have.
How are families being informed about the use of student voice recordings? What does meaningful consent look like in practice? How is student data being protected? In a state with 23 sovereign Nations, Tribes, and Pueblos, was Tribal consultation part of the implementation process?
We’re not asking these questions because we’ve already reached a conclusion. We’re asking because they matter, and because they’re the same questions we’re hearing from families across New Mexico.
For us, this also reflects a larger issue. Time and again, significant education initiatives are introduced before the public has a clear understanding of how they will be implemented, how communities were engaged, or what safeguards are in place to protect our children. When there isn’t a comprehensive and transparent implementation plan, uncertainty grows and trust becomes harder to build.
We don’t see thoughtful questions as opposition to innovation. We see them as part of responsible public education and a reflection of our values. Students, families, educators, and Tribal communities deserve to be treated with respect, meaningfully engaged, and protected by the laws and policies that govern our public schools. And as we consider new technologies in the classroom, we must also consider what happens when a deeply human experience like learning to read becomes increasingly mediated by a tool. As we continue to learn more about Amira, we’ll keep listening, asking questions, and looking for answers.