In five years, Principal Judy Tanner has transformed Magdalena Elementary School in Magdalena from a struggling school to a model community of learners. A key component of this transformation was the implementation of a Balanced Literacy program, which led to significant gains in achievement for the school's Native American student population. Ms. Tanner has also incorporated Content and Performance Standards and designed and implemented a District Comprehensive Assessment System (DCAS). She fosters teacher growth through sustained and ongoing professional development and peer coaching and has obtained grants for adult education aimed at young mothers who are pursuing their GED. Ms. Tanner is an executive board member of the New Mexico Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
