In response to the novel coronavirus crisis that has resulted in the closures of all New Mexico public schools, New Mexico PBS (NMPBS) and Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) announced a new broadcast initiative to support at-home learning for K-5 students and their families, by broadcasting a new weekday morning schedule of televised APS classes.
Beginning Monday, April 6, APS @HOME, will begin broadcasting from 8 a.m. - Noon weekdays on Channel 5.1, and posting educational programs on the APS YouTube channel.
APS @HOME will also be simulcast on the state’s other PBS stations, KENW in Portales and KRWG in Las Cruces, benefiting children statewide.
APS @HOME will give kids in grades K-5 the chance to resume lessons in key topics, as determined by the school district.
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS
8 a.m. - Grades K-1 Fundamentals / English Language Arts Writing
9 a.m. - English Language Development Bi-lingual
10 a.m. - Grades 2-3 English
11 a.m. - Grades 4-5 English
TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS
8 a.m. - Grades K-1 Math/Science
9 a.m. - English Language Development Bi-lingual
10 a.m. - Grades 2-3 Math/Science
11 a.m. - Grades 4-5 Math/Science
The daily lesson plans will be broadcast each day, and will then be available later for individual “on-demand lessons.” These supplemental learning videos feature Albuquerque Public Schools educators in short segments, supporting a variety of subjects and grade levels, including English language arts, math, visual and performing arts, physical education, and more.
These segments will also include a Sign interpreter in the lower left portion of the screen, making them accessible to the hearing impaired. Bilingual lessons are also available.
Distance learning has proven to be a challenge in New Mexico due to equity and accessibility issues. Not all households have access to digital devices, or the connectivity means to benefit from online learning.
“Our students are living through unprecedented times. There’s so much that’s out of our control right now. That’s why we have to do everything possible to meet the educational needs we can manage,” said APS Superintendent Raquel Reedy. “It may be a while before we can ensure every school-aged child has a laptop and Wi-Fi access, but we know most students have TVs in their homes. NMPBS is a familiar and trusted friend to most of us. We are grateful to extend continuous learning opportunities to students with assistance from America’s leading educational broadcast group.”
“Public television was born of a vision that television would be the world’s most powerful educational tool,” said Franz Joachim, General Manager and CEO, New Mexico PBS (NMPBS). “Today that vision still lives, as we return to our roots in educational television. Education has always been the root of who we are. And as part of both Albuquerque Public Schools and the University of New Mexico, education is essential to what we will always be. How could we not do this for New Mexico’s kids?”
Watch: Monday-Friday from 8am to Noon
- New Mexico PBS (NMPBS)/KNME Channel 5.1 (Santa Fe/Albuquerque – Northern & Central New Mexico);
- KENW/Channel 3 (Portales – Eastern New Mexico); KRWG/Channel 22 (Las Cruces – Southern New Mexico)
For more information about the programming schedule, visit www.nmpbs.org or www.aps.edu .