Signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires evidence-based learning practices for language programs in schools in New Mexico.

Highlights:

• Defines “high-quality instructional materials” as ones that are (Sec. 3):

• Research-based and culturally and linguistically relevant;

• Aligned with the department’s academic content and performance standards; and

• Included on the department’s list of approved materials.

• Requires materials used in public schools for literacy or reading instruction for kindergarten through third grade to be high-quality instructional materials (Sec. 4).

• Establishes standards for grade-specific literacy assessments for students in kindergarten through third grade beginning in the 2027-2028 school year (Sec. 5).

• Requires schools to provide written notice to the parents of any student who is identified as having a reading difficulty as a result of a literacy assessment, including an explanation of a reading improvement plan (Sec. 5).

• Requires schools to provide differentiated core instruction or targeted intensive interventions to students who are identified as having a reading difficulty (Sec. 5).

• Requires school districts to train teachers based on the provisions of this Act (Sec. 6).

• Requires the department to assign a literacy instructional coach to public elementary schools with reading proficiency scores in the bottom quartile in the state (Sec. 6).

• Specifies that this Act takes effect July 1, 2026 (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text