Bill > HB116

This bill amends the Bilingual Multicultural Education Act to change the requirements for programs to receive state financial support. Eligible programs must now be approved by the department and either use a home or heritage language as the primary language of instruction for some or all of the curriculum, or adopt a "language revitalization instruction model," which is a department-approved plan to revive and strengthen a heritage language that is at risk of disappearing. The bill also clarifies that these programs should serve culturally and linguistically different students and other bilingual learners from kindergarten through twelfth grade, with priority given to those in kindergarten through third grade who need to improve both English and their home or heritage language. Additionally, programs must include teachers or personnel specializing in bilingual education who can assess language proficiency, provide instruction on the history and cultures associated with the home or heritage language, establish a representative parent advisory committee, and have procedures for adequate parental notification regarding program placement.

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=116&year=26