The "Advancing the Science of Reading Act" seeks to improve literacy education in New Mexico by establishing stringent requirements for teacher licensure and instructional practices. It mandates that teacher candidates demonstrate proficiency in structured literacy and the science of reading, which includes coursework in essential areas such as phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary acquisition, and comprehension. The bill also requires a minimum of one hundred hours of supervised field experience in public school classrooms that utilize evidence-based practices. Importantly, it prohibits the use of balanced literacy as a teaching method in public schools and state institutions, emphasizing the need for high-quality instructional materials aligned with the science of reading.

To facilitate the implementation of these standards, the bill introduces literacy coordinators in teacher preparation programs to ensure compliance and provide professional development for faculty. It establishes monitoring and enforcement mechanisms for educator preparation programs, including corrective action plans for non-compliance. The act also requires that parents be informed if their children are not reading at grade level, ensuring timely interventions. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding alternative level one teaching licenses, setting new educational qualifications and salary standards for teachers, while revising definitions related to instructional materials to enhance the quality of educational resources.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-10A-6, 22-10A-7, 22-10A-8, 22-15-2