New Literacy Bill SB 37 Mandates Evidence-Based Reading Instruction in New Mexico

The measure aims to boost reading proficiency by requiring dyslexia screenings, parent notification, and literacy coach support for underperforming schools.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 1:00am

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New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed into law a new literacy bill, SB 37, that mandates evidence-based reading instruction in the state's schools. The measure codifies literacy standards, including dyslexia screenings, parent notification of students' reading struggles, strengthening educator preparation programs, and allocating $14 million in the state budget to provide literacy coaches for low-performing schools.

Why it matters

The new law aims to build on New Mexico's recent progress in boosting student reading proficiency. It effectively prohibits the traditional "three-cueing" system of reading instruction, which encourages guessing based on context rather than phonics-based decoding. The measure also incorporates biliteracy and culturally-relevant instruction into the state's literacy models.

The details

The bill mandates evidence-based "structured literacy" instruction that emphasizes comprehension of letters, words, and phonics-based decoding. It requires literacy assessment screenings, including for learning disabilities like dyslexia, for K-3 students. Schools must notify parents within 30 days if a student is struggling and develop a read-at-home plan. The measure also amends existing law to incorporate biliteracy and culturally-relevant instruction.

  • The bill was signed into law by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on March 11, 2026.
  • The new literacy standards will go into effect for the 2027-28 academic year.

The players

Michelle Lujan Grisham

The Governor of New Mexico who signed SB 37 into law.

Joy Garratt

A Bernalillo County Democratic Representative who co-sponsored SB 37 and advocated for the inclusion of biliteracy and culturally-relevant instruction.

Mimi Stewart

A Bernalillo County Democratic Senator who co-sponsored SB 37 and emphasized the importance of literacy training for current and aspiring teachers.

William Hawkins

The superintendent of the Silver Consolidated School District, who highlighted the importance of skilled teachers and literacy coach support in improving reading levels.

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What they’re saying

“New Mexico has boosted student reading proficiency significantly over the past four years and this literacy initiative will accelerate that progress.”

— Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor

“To me, it was very, very important that right in our statutes, we recognize the vitality and the importance of our native languages and other languages.”

— Joy Garratt, Representative

“The real purpose of these literacy bills are to ensure that teachers learn about this in college, before they go into the classroom.”

— Mimi Stewart, Senator

“But a program by itself does not raise reading levels. It takes skilled teachers who know how to use those tools and adjust when students struggle.”

— William Hawkins, Superintendent

What’s next

The new literacy standards will go into effect for the 2027-28 academic year, requiring schools across New Mexico to implement the evidence-based reading instruction and support programs outlined in SB 37.

The takeaway

This new literacy law in New Mexico represents a significant step forward in the state's efforts to improve reading proficiency, with a focus on evidence-based instruction, early intervention, and providing underresourced schools with the support they need to ensure all students have the foundational reading skills to succeed.