The "Advancing the Science of Reading Act" seeks to improve literacy education in New Mexico by establishing new requirements for teacher licensure and instructional practices. It mandates that teacher candidates demonstrate competency in structured literacy and the science of reading, which includes coursework in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The bill prohibits the use of balanced literacy as a teaching method in public schools and state institutions, emphasizing the need for scientifically based reading instruction. To support these changes, literacy coordinators will be introduced in teacher preparation programs to oversee compliance and provide professional development, while parents will be notified if their children are not reading at grade level.

The legislation also introduces amendments to current educational licensing laws, including the issuance of an alternative level one license for applicants who meet specific educational and assessment criteria. It sets the minimum salary for level one teachers at $50,000 for a standard contract and outlines competencies for various grade levels and subject areas. Additionally, the bill revises the requirements for maintaining a teaching license, stating that license holders will not need to meet new requirements until their license expires. New definitions related to instructional materials are included, and the roles of the instructional material bureau and its director are clarified, reinforcing the focus on structured literacy and the science of reading in teacher training, particularly for those teaching pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

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