The literacy goals set by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, including the establishment of a dedicated literacy institute, are still in progress, with legislative support of $30 million for the project. While the construction of the institute is ongoing, the Public Education Department (PED) is actively pursuing another initiative: a summer reading program. This program, also funded with $30 million from the state budget, aims to assist around 10,000 struggling students across New Mexico. The PED plans to maintain a 4-to-1 student-teacher ratio for the program, employing 2,500 literacy instructors who will be trained before its commencement. The program, expected to run for four to six weeks starting in June, will cater to students from kindergarten to eighth grade, with classes held in schools statewide. Virtual options will also be available for students in rural areas. The state intends to monitor students’ progress through pre- and post-program assessments, providing feedback to families and schools. Education Secretary Arsenio Romero expressed enthusiasm for the initiatives, emphasizing the rapid progress being made to address literacy challenges in the state.
