The proposed bill establishes a "Micro-Credential Pilot Project" within the New Mexico Public Education Department aimed at enhancing educational outcomes through targeted professional development for site administrators and teachers. The project is designed to align with the Martinez-Yazzie decision, focusing on equity-centered instruction and leadership. It will be implemented in three phases over five years, starting with the development of micro-credential pathways, followed by validation through feedback from educators, and culminating in statewide implementation beginning in the 2028-2029 school year. The pathways will require educators to demonstrate competency through performance tasks before progressing, ensuring a structured approach to professional development.

To support the implementation of this project, the bill appropriates $3 million from the general fund for the fiscal years 2027 through 2031. The funding will be used to develop the curriculum, establish enrollment criteria, and create reporting and evaluation procedures. The Public Education Department is tasked with providing interim and final reports on the project's progress, including its impact on historically underserved student groups and recommendations for future expansion. The collaboration with New Mexico-based nonprofit organizations with expertise in equity-centered education is also emphasized to enhance the project's effectiveness.