Senator Candy Spence Ezzell (R-Roswell) addressed the New Mexico Legislative Education Study Committee, advocating for a science-based reading curriculum and the retention of third graders who have not yet achieved proficiency. She said that these measures would enhance literacy outcomes for students in New Mexico.
"Students in Roswell and elsewhere are benefiting from stronger reading instruction," said Spence Ezzell, New Mexico State Senator from 32nd District (R).
Ezzell's comments were made following a presentation to the committee that highlighted early literacy efforts across the state. The discussion centered on tackling reading proficiency gaps among elementary school students, with recommendations linked to the "science of reading" and third-grade retention policies modeled after Mississippi's literacy approach. According to the agenda and supporting materials from the committee, policymakers are focusing on interventions to improve student reading proficiency in response to concerning statewide test results.
Recent data shows that only 34% of New Mexico's fourth graders scored at or above the "proficient" level on the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). This ranks New Mexico among the lowest-performing states in terms of early literacy. Education advocates argue that enhancing evidence-based reading instruction could help reverse these trends, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics.
Mississippi's so-called "Mississippi Miracle" is a decade-long initiative that combines phonics-based curriculum reforms with mandatory retention of third graders who are not proficient readers. Between 2013 and 2022, Mississippi saw its fourth-grade NAEP reading scores increase from 209 to 219, marking one of the largest gains in the nation, according to Education Week. Experts attribute this success to a strong emphasis on teacher training and consistent interventions.
Ezzell has been representing New Mexico’s District 58, which includes Roswell, since 2005. A Republican and longtime rancher, she has been involved in legislative efforts related to agriculture, natural resources, and public education reform.
