SENATE BILL 434

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025

INTRODUCED BY

Steve D. Lanier and Nicole Tobiassen and James G. Townsend

and Pat Woods

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS; REQUIRING ACADEMIC SUPPORT, INTERVENTION AND ACCELERATED INSTRUCTION FOR STUDENTS WITH A MATHEMATICS OR READING DEFICIENCY; ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCELERATED INSTRUCTION.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. A new section of the Public School Code is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] ACADEMIC SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH READING AND MATHEMATICS DEFICIENCIES--ACCELERATED INSTRUCTION.--

          A. As used in this section:

                (1) "mathematics deficiency" means a score on a statewide assessment administered pursuant to the Assessment and Accountability Act that is within the lowest proficiency level for mathematics established by the department; and

                (2) "reading deficiency" means a score on a statewide assessment administered pursuant to the Assessment and Accountability Act that is within the lowest proficiency level for reading established by the department.

          B. Each school year, public schools shall review the statewide assessments administered in the immediately preceding year pursuant to the Assessment and Accountability Act to identify students who have mathematics or reading deficiencies.

          C. If a public school identifies a student as having a mathematics or reading deficiency, the school shall immediately notify the student's parent. Each student identified as having a mathematics or reading deficiency shall be provided with necessary academic support or interventions and accelerated instruction in accordance with Subsection D of this section.

          D. Accelerated instruction shall:

                (1) begin within thirty days from the date on which the student is identified as having a mathematics or reading deficiency;

                (2) be individualized and designed to meet the student's specific needs and assist the student in achieving proficiency in mathematics or reading;

                (3) be provided by a licensed school employee with department-approved training in mathematics and reading intervention or accelerated instruction;

                (4) be provided in addition to the required minimum instruction for the student's grade;

                (5) be delivered at least three times per week in at least thirty-minute increments throughout the school day; and

                (6) use high-quality instructional materials that are aligned with the department's academic content and performance standards for mathematics and reading.

          E. A parent whose student is receiving accelerated instruction shall be provided with a detailed explanation of the student's accelerated instruction plan, including the name of the licensed school employee providing the instruction, the subject matter and the schedule and duration of the accelerated instruction. A parent shall be provided with written progress reports for the student every fifteen days while accelerated instruction is provided and with information and guidance for the parent to support the student's learning at home."

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