Martinez outlines education plan

GOP gubernatorial candidate Susana Martinez today in Albuquerque revealed her plan for education in the state, calling it a top priority for her administration.

Among other things, the plan includes:

-- putting 65 percent of education funding into the classroom. Currently, 61 percent goes into classrooms, she said. The difference is $74 million.

-- ending social promotion. Kids who can't read in the 3rd grade won't be sent on to 4th grade, she said.

-- merit-based pay for teachers.

-- giving schools an A-F grade instead of using bureaucratic terms.

-- tax credits for individuals and corporations that give scholarships to poor students, and tax credits for groups that provide summer internship opportunities.

Martinez also used the opportunity to take a swipe at opponent Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, saying "The current administation has spent more on education than any previous administration with nothing but a record of failure to show for it."

See the actual plan below and read more about it, and Denish's plan, in tomorrow's paper.

SusanaMartinezEducation Plan