Bill > SB37

This bill, titled the High-Quality Literacy Instruction Act, mandates significant changes to how reading is taught in New Mexico public schools, with a focus on evidence-based practices rooted in the "science of reading," which is defined as research on how language and reading are acquired. Key provisions include requiring that all literacy and reading instructional materials for kindergarten through third grade, and for intervention purposes up to twelfth grade, be "high-quality instructional materials" that align with the science of reading and "structured literacy" (an explicit, systematic approach to teaching reading), and explicitly prohibiting the "three-cueing model," a less effective method of word recognition. Furthermore, public schools must administer specific literacy assessments to students in kindergarten through third grade to identify reading difficulties, including dyslexia, and provide timely interventions and support plans for affected students and their parents, including a "read-at-home plan" to involve families. The bill also requires teacher preparation programs to incorporate extensive training in the science of reading and structured literacy, and beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, the Public Education Department will assign "literacy instructional coaches" to elementary schools in the bottom quartile for reading proficiency to support teachers with effective literacy instruction.

Government Affairs

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=37&year=26