Bill > HB488

This bill modifies New Mexico's existing law on bilingual multicultural education by updating the requirements for state-funded bilingual education programs. The key changes focus on prioritizing students' home or heritage language as the primary medium of instruction, especially in kindergarten through third grade, while still ensuring English language proficiency. The bill requires bilingual programs to use the students' home or heritage language as the main instructional language, with English used as a supplementary language when needed to improve students' English skills. Programs must continue to employ specialized bilingual education teachers who can assess language proficiency in both the home language and English. The bill maintains previous requirements such as establishing a parent advisory committee representative of the students' language and culture, providing annual parental notification about program placement, and emphasizing the historical and cultural context associated with students' home languages. The overall goal is to support linguistically and culturally different students, with a particular focus on Native American children and other students who may benefit from bilingual education, by ensuring their native language plays a central role in their educational experience.

Education

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=488&year=25