New Mexico invests in prekindergarten literacy software

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico officials are training educators on a new platform that will track progress among preschool children to better prepare them for kindergarten and make it easier for parents to keep tabs.

The move follows an exodus from the public school system by kids 5 and under.

There are 20% fewer prekindergarten students enrolled this year and 12.5% fewer in kindergarten.

State education and early childhood officials hope a $875,000 contract with early learning organization Waterford can help them bounce back.

Come fall, parents can access 15-minute lessons and view progress data logged by teachers.