The New Mexico Public Education Department (NM PED) announced that on February 24, the New Mexico Senate passed Senate Bill 242, which requires teacher licensing candidates to demonstrate proficiency in structured literacy and reading science. This announcement was made in a press release on February 25, 2025.

According to the New Mexico Legislature, Senate Bill 242, known as the Advancing the Science of Reading Act, mandates that teacher candidates show competency in structured literacy and the science of reading. The bill also requires the use of high-quality instructional materials and prohibits balanced literacy in public schools. Additionally, it establishes literacy coordinators, outlines monitoring measures, and specifies coursework and field experience requirements for teacher licensure.

The science of reading is grounded in research from psychology, linguistics, and neuroscience. It provides evidence-based methods for teaching literacy. According to NM PED's press release, SB 242 would require educator preparation programs to align their reading instruction coursework with these principles and ensure that teacher candidates use high-quality instructional materials during student teaching and supervised fieldwork.

The bill further mandates training for teacher candidates to identify struggling readers and apply targeted interventions. School districts and charter schools are required to notify parents of kindergarten through third-grade students about their child's reading progress twice yearly. They must also inform parents in writing if first graders exhibit reading difficulties following a dyslexia screening. Mississippi’s adoption of the science of reading has reportedly led to academic gains, with its fourth graders ranking ninth nationally in reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) exam.

"The science of reading is a game changer for New Mexico’s students," said Public Education Secretary Designate Mariana D. Padilla in a press release. "When we invest in proven reading strategies, we empower our students with the skills to thrive—not just in school, but in life."

The New Mexico Public Education Department oversees education across the state and collaborates with educators, communities, and families to support student success in college, careers, and life. The department serves approximately 320,000 students across 189 districts and charter schools by providing resources for educators, families, and administrators.