Welcome to the New Mexico Literacy Institute
Shaping the Future of New Mexico.
Implementing and fully funding structured literacy and the science of reading in New Mexico holds the key to unlocking a brighter future for students across the state. By embracing evidence-based approaches to literacy education, we can empower all students to read at grade level, providing them with the foundational skills for success in school and in life.
Sign Up for the Summer Reading Program
New Mexico’s Free Summer Reading Program or Reading Initiative
For Student Enrollment
The Summer Reading Program, open for K-8 students, offers a literacy-boosting experience this June and July. Aimed at enhancing reading skills, it provides a valuable educational journey. Secure your spot early in this impactful program.
For Instructor Participation
The Summer Reading Program is an opportunity for literacy instructors—current or retired educators, faculty, or pre-service educators—to contribute to New Mexico student literacy improvements.
What is the Literacy Institute?
Implementing and fully funding structured literacy and the science of reading in New Mexico holds the key to unlocking a brighter future for students across the state. By embracing evidence-based approaches to literacy education, we can empower all students to read at grade level, providing them with the foundational skills for success in school and in life.
New Mexico students have long faced challenges in achieving grade-level reading proficiency. The introduction of Structured Literacy—an evidence-based approach that combines brain science with effective teaching methods—promises to change this narrative. With proven results in schools across the state, including notable gains in proficiency scores at Carlos Rey, Vado, and Bell Elementary Schools, it’s time to scale up these efforts.
How it Works
Structured Literacy systematically teaches the connections between sounds and letters, providing a comprehensive framework for language acquisition. This approach guarantees that every student has access to the tools necessary for navigating educational complexities and laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Building on Our Progress
Since the launch of the statewide Structured Literacy initiative in the 2020-2021 school year, New Mexico has made significant strides:
- Over 9,000 educators have been trained in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), with an additional 2,000 set to begin training.
- A 4.3 percent increase in reading proficiency for 3rd-8th grade students was recorded, showcasing the impact of these investments.
- The New Mexico Higher Education Department is collaborating with the Early Childhood Education and Care Department and the Public Education Department to embed the Science of Reading and structured literacy into higher education curricula.
- All 1,067 New Mexico PreK teachers are supported through training and coaching in literacy practices, with a significant increase in observed literacy practices since the implementation of LETRS-EC.
This comprehensive approach ensures that the benefits of structured literacy reach every corner of New Mexico, from our youngest learners to adults, fostering a state-wide culture of literacy and learning.
Join us in this pivotal movement to transform literacy education in New Mexico, where every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.