I4tl is excited to be partnering with teachers and school leaders from Cimarron Municipal School District as they enter their second semester of their blended learning pilot program! Cimarron is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in rural northern New Mexico, close to the historic Santa Fe Wagon Trail; this small closely-knit community has a rich history from the time of the Old West. Today, the Cimarron Municipal School District serves the communities of Angel Fire, Eagle Nest and Cimarron. Poverty, the highly rural nature of the area (some students travel as far as 80 miles one-way in order to attend school) and lack of industry are two key factors in the school’s decision to pursue blended learning programming in order to better serve their student population.

The CMSD program uses instructional technology to expand, enhance and extend the educational experience they can offer their students. Fully online courses allow the school to expand their course offerings, giving their students access to classes like foreign languages and advanced math and science courses; blended learning courses allow students scheduling flexibility and increased ownership of their learning pathway.

At our kickoff session earlier this month, district and school leaders Adan Estrada and Leticia Martinez discussed their excitement over the possibilities afforded by this initiative. We are excited to be helping them on their way and sharing the journey!