For more than a decade, PCG has partnered with the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) to deliver statewide professional development focused on inclusive practices, culturally responsive instruction, and data-informed decision-making. Beginning in 2024, this partnership expanded through a multi-year collaboration with the PED’s Office of Special Education (OSE) to develop instructional modules and provide in-person and virtual professional learning for educators and service providers, administrators, aspiring leaders, families, and caregivers. This work emphasizes inclusive, culturally responsive practices and the design and implementation of high-quality, measurable individualized education plans (IEPs) aligned to student outcomes. To date, PCG has delivered more than 110 professional development sessions, with additional sessions continuing through June 30, 2026, supported by a growing library of modules and related resources.

A cornerstone of PED-OSE’s partnership with PCG is New Mexico’s annual Parent University, a no cost statewide family conference created to empower parents and caregivers of students with disabilities. By planning and executing the inaugural event in 2024, and continuing with project management support in 2025, PCG coordinated childcare, meals, and hotel accommodations for attendees and managed registration, marketing, and communication with participants. These efforts helped create an accessible, family-centered experience designed to deepen understanding of special education systems and strengthen families’ ability to advocate for their children.

This effort directly supports New Mexico’s broader priorities, in line with the Martinez/Yazzie Action Plan, which calls for deeper engagement of families—including Indigenous communities—and improved support for students with disabilities. Parent University has brought families together from across New Mexico, welcomed senior state leaders, such as the Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales, and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. Its success reflects the impact of coordinated family engagement and highlights how empowering parents strengthens their role as key partners in supporting student success.

As New Mexico continues its commitment to improving outcomes for students with disabilities, partnerships like the one between PED-OSE and PCG demonstrate what’s possible when educators, families, and communities work together toward student-centered learning.