Nearly half of New Mexico's elementary and middle school students are now reading at grade level, according to the latest statewide assessment results. Reading proficiency for grades 3-8 has increased by 10 percentage points since 2022, reaching 44% in 2025. The New Mexico Measures of Student Success and Achievement showed significant gains in grades 3, 6, and 8.
Public Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla commented on the progress: "These results confirm that the state’s investments in early literacy and the science of reading are working." Notably, Native American students improved by 13 percentage points, Hispanic students by 10 points, and English learners by 8 points.
The state's adoption of structured literacy instruction in 2020 is credited with these improvements. This approach involves research-based methods for teaching reading and has been implemented through teacher training and expanded summer programs serving over 16,000 students.
Despite the progress in reading, math proficiency remains largely unchanged. High school math scores on the SAT dropped from 16% in 2022 to 12% in 2025. However, SAT reading and writing scores have improved across all student subgroups. Science scores also showed little change.
Padilla emphasized the need for similar investments in math and science: "Structured literacy has shown us what’s possible," she said. Recommendations include early math screening, professional development for teachers, legislative investment in evidence-based instruction, improved educator preparation programs, year-round tutoring, and hands-on learning opportunities.
The New Mexico Public Education Department plans to continue refining assessments to provide valuable data for educators.
