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Our 2024 policy priorities reflect the urgency of New Mexico’s education crisis and our unwavering belief in the unlimited potential of all New Mexico students. NewMexicoKidsCAN is ready to advocate and champion these bold educational policies.
Next week marks the beginning of the 30-day New Mexico Legislative Session. The state of education in New Mexico demands our urgent attention. Every measure of academic outcomes points to an ongoing crisis, and recent data from the 2023 statewide assessment is alarming. Despite a $1.3 billion increase to education funding over the last five years, only 38% of New Mexico students are reading at grade level, and a mere 24% perform at grade level in mathematics. We stand at a pivotal point in New Mexico’s history, and our students are counting on us to help them succeed. Are you prepared to answer the call and advocate for New Mexico students?
Our 2024 policy priorities reflect the urgency of New Mexico’s education crisis and our unwavering belief in the unlimited potential of all New Mexico students. NewMexicoKidsCAN is ready to advocate and champion these bold educational policies.
2024 NEWMEXICOKIDSCAN POLICY PRIORITIES
Secure Funding for Reading Materials Fund
In 2023, NewMexicoKidsCAN passed House Bill 481, amending the Reading Materials Fund to allow districts to adopt instructional materials aligned to the science of reading at no cost. Unfortunately, no appropriation was made. In 2024, we seek to secure at least $5 million dollars in funding for the Reading Materials Fund to ensure every student has access to the tools they need to become skilled readers.
Improve Literacy Scores with Strengthened Early Literacy Policy
While New Mexico has a solid early literacy foundation, there are critical policy gaps. In 2024, we aim to pass legislation addressing key areas, including individual reading improvement plans (IRIPs), transparent reporting of instructional materials used by districts to teach reading, demonstrated readiness for promotion, and a ban on three-cueing.
Ensure New Mexico CTE Courses are Aligned to Meaningful College and Career Pathways
Our state is increasing investment in Career & Technical Education (CTE), but it is unclear if all courses align with meaningful career and college pathways. In 2024, we aim to work with the NMPED to audit all CTE courses, ensuring future investments expand access to courses that create pathways to a living wage career or better.
Pilot Automatic Enrollment in Advanced Coursework
Partnering with at least one school district, we aim to initiate a pilot program for the automatic enrollment of students in advanced coursework. Students scoring above proficient in 8th grade would be automatically enrolled in advanced courses aligned to their subject area, fostering a seamless transition to more challenging material for more students.
Ensure High-Quality Charter Schools are Approved to Open and Grow
We will oppose any legislation that hinders the growth of charter schools in New Mexico. Additionally, we will work with charter school authorizers to ensure they are approving requests from high-quality charter schools to open or expand and are holding charter schools accountable when they fail to meet the terms of their charter contracts.
As legislators gather to represent their constituents in Santa Fe, we need your support. Things happen quickly at the New Mexico Roundhouse, and we are assembling a team of VIPs to support our advocacy efforts. The education crisis in our state demands the attention of everyone, and your voice is needed to make a difference. Register using the button below to join the NMKidsCAN VIP Advocate Team and receive Rapid Roundhouse text updates!
SIGN UP FOR OUR VIP ADVOCATE TEAM HERE
Thank you for your commitment to improving education in the Land of Enchantment. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of New Mexico students.