NMPED News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico closed its 2026 legislative session with unanimous, bipartisan passage of two landmark education bills and strong support for a third, codifying the instructional practices behind the state’s largest reading gains and establishing a new statutory framework for math instruction and special education services.
Senate Bills 29, 37 and 64 passed with strong bipartisan support, including unanimous approval of SB 29 and SB 37 in both chambers. Together, these measures modernize and strengthen the state’s framework for literacy, mathematics and special education.
“These bills ensure every student in New Mexico has access to high-quality instruction grounded in proven practices,” Public Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla said. “This is about building on our progress and making sure it reaches every classroom.”
Literacy: SB 37, High Quality Literacy Instruction Act
Reading proficiency has climbed 10 percentage points since 2022, and the New Mexico Public Education Department’s spring 2025 assessment data show the largest literacy gains in grades 3–8 since the pandemic. Senate Bill 37 codifies the practices driving those gains, ensuring that they reach every classroom, district and student.
SB 37 requires research-based instruction aligned with the science of reading—the evidence-backed approach to foundational literacy that has driven New Mexico’s recent improvements—including targeted supports for English learners and students in bilingual or dual-language programs.
Beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, the bill requires the Public Education Department to assign highly qualified coaches to elementary schools in the statewide bottom quartile for reading proficiency. Coaches will serve three-year terms, building lasting capacity and driving sustained improvement in student achievement.
The bill also directs the Public Education Department to develop grade-specific read-at-home plans, giving families practical strategies to strengthen literacy skills beyond the classroom.
Math: SB 29
SB 29 establishes a comprehensive framework to strengthen math teaching and learning statewide. New elementary and secondary math endorsements will require six additional credit hours of math methods coursework beginning July 1, 2027, raising the standard for classroom-ready math instruction.
The bill also requires districts and charter schools to implement aligned math plans and, beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, to conduct a universal K–3 math screening within 30 days of the start of the school year to identify students who need support before they fall behind.
Special education: SB 64
SB 64 creates the Office of Special Education within the Public Education Department. It establishes a deputy secretary for special education who reports directly to the public education secretary and leads efforts to ensure students with disabilities receive high-quality, consistent services. Elevating special education within the Public Education Department ensures that the needs of students with disabilities are integrated into the agency’s top leadership and reflected in all decisions made by the department.
The Office of Special Education has operated since 2023 through executive order. Placing it in statute ensures permanence, stability and long-term accountability.
SB 64 also requires the Office of Special Education to develop and maintain a uniform online system for individualized education programs (IEPs). This statewide IEP system will support students, enhance service delivery and assist with grade level transitions.
The governor has until March 11 to sign the bills into law.