ADVANCING THE SCIENCE OF READING ACT

SB 242, the "Advancing the Science of Reading Act," requires all new teachers in New Mexico to complete specific training in structured literacy and phonics (including 3 credit hours in phonemic awareness/phonics and 100 hours of supervised field experience) before licensure. It bans "balanced literacy" methods in public schools and mandates the use of "high-quality instructional materials" aligned with the science of reading for all K-12 reading instruction. The bill also creates literacy coordinators at teacher preparation programs to oversee implementation and ensure compliance. If enacted, these changes would directly affect teacher candidates, public school classrooms, and curriculum choices statewide.