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At NewMexicoKidsCAN, we believe progress isn’t just possible. We believe it is our responsibility to make it happen. That is why our 2025 policy priorities focus on building on what works and driving change where it is needed most.
As we welcome the new year, we are inspired by the limitless potential of New Mexico’s students. Yet, low proficiency rates in math and reading, chronic absenteeism and ongoing leadership challenges continue to prevent our students from accessing the education they need to realize their full potential. The upcoming 60-day legislative session is our chance to demand bold changes and champion the solutions our students deserve.
At NewMexicoKidsCAN, we believe progress isn’t just possible. We believe it is our responsibility to make it happen. That is why our 2025 policy priorities focus on building on what works and driving change where it is needed most. Can we count on your support to make bold change happen?
Join our VIP Advocate Team now to commit to using your voice.
2025 NEWMEXICOKIDSCAN POLICY PRIORITIES
Require a Roadmap to Literacy Success
Only 2 out of 5 New Mexico students are reading at grade level. While historic investments in teacher training have led to improvement, student interventions often arrive too late or not at all, and outdated reading materials limit student growth. This year, we will champion legislation to require Individual Reading Improvement Plans for every struggling reader. Additionally, we will advocate for a $12.5 million appropriation to the Reading Materials Fund, building on the success of House Bill 481, which allows districts to adopt instructional materials aligned with the science of reading at no cost.
Advocate for Data Transparency
Parents and families deserve timely information about their child’s academic progress. In recent years, the New Mexico Public Education Department has released statewide assessment data sporadically and often far too late. In 2025, we will introduce legislation requiring the Public Education Department to release statewide assessment data in a timely manner.
Expand Access to High-Impact Tutoring
Every student deserves access to high-impact tutoring but late roll-outs have prevented New Mexico students from accessing this proven intervention. We will advocate for the expansion of high-impact tutoring to ensure every struggling student has timely access to this resource and the opportunity to get back on track.
Ensure High-Quality Charter Schools are Approved to Open and Grow
High-quality charter schools play a vital role in New Mexico’s public education system. We will oppose any efforts to restrict their growth while advocating to provide the Public Education Commission with the staffing and resources necessary for the effective oversight and accountability of our state’s charter schools.
Oppose a Return to a State School Board
In 2024, we worked to defeat Senate Joint Resolution 9, which threatened to eliminate the position of Secretary of Education, dissolve the Public Education Commission, and establish a statewide school board—a model New Mexicans voted to change in 2003. This year, we will continue to oppose any attempts to reintroduce a state school board, as it risks increasing partisan politics into our education governance.
As things begin to stir in Santa Fe, we need your help to turn these priorities into realities. For the second year, we are assembling a team of VIP Advocates to receive real-time updates and stay ready to engage throughout the legislative session. Join the NMKidsCAN VIP Advocate Team and commit to making a difference by clicking the button below.
SIGN UP FOR OUR VIP ADVOCATE TEAM HERE
Anchored in our belief that progress is possible, we are ready to advocate for bold solutions. I hope you’ll join us!