For Immediate Release:
Contact: Olivia Padilla
(505) 986-4882
Olivia.Padilla@nmlegis.gov
February 7, 2020
SANTA FE – Senator Linda López (D-11-Bernalillo) filed two pieces of legislation that would create new divisions under the Public Education Department (PED) for special education, bilingual and multicultural education, and Hispanic education. These bills are in response to the Yazzie and Martínez lawsuits, in which it was found that the state of New Mexico failed to meet the state standard of an acceptable and uniform system of education as stipulated in the New Mexico State Constitution, specifically for students who are at-risk, students with disabilities, Native American students, and English language learner (ELL) students. The Martínez lawsuit was brought forward by MALDEF and the Latino Education Task Force. The president of the task force, Dr. Diane Torres-Velásquez, commented that “research clearly shows that multicultural education profoundly affects student achievement, graduation, college education, career, health, family life, and overall well-being, especially when using models and pedagogy such as ethnic studies and culturally responsive teaching.” Senator López added that these pieces of legislation are “designed to offer training and support for families and their students to learn who we are in [the] community through a multicultural lens.” The Senator also emphasized the distinction between multiculturalism and bilingualism, and stated that “although they are not the same thing, it is necessary for them to work together.”
Senate Bill 174 – Special Education Division in Public Education Department
This bill would establish a division of special education under PED, and additionally create the role of Assistant Secretary of Special Education. The legislation stipulates what the Special Education Division will provide for school districts and charter schools, as well as specifies the standards regarding gifted children. The bill implements a program of evaluation, and includes an appropriation of one million dollars to provide instructors and school personnel with training to meet the pedagogical needs of students with special needs. The legislation is pointed to tackle the issues Dr. Torres-Velásquez asserted to be necessary changes for New Mexico: “Special education sorely needs updated definitions, to be elevated to a division, and to be updated in New Mexico so that teachers and districts have the capacity to meet the needs of all students.”
Senate Bill 193 – PED Bilingual & Multicultural Education Divisions
This bill would establish a division under PED to focus on bilingual and multicultural education and create the role of Assistant Secretary of Bilingual Multicultural Education. Additionally, it would create the Hispanic Education Division and the role of Assistant Secretary for Hispanic Education. The legislation defines multicultural education and instruction in the classroom, and requires the Assistant Secretary to coordinate with the Indian Education and Hispanic Education Divisions. The bill calls for the creation of a Bilingual Multicultural Advisory Council composed of fifteen members, consisting of two tribal members, six pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade teachers, six parents of bilingual or multicultural students, and one bilingual or multicultural student. Furthermore, the bill requires every school that works with PED to develop a bilingual multicultural education plan that will be implemented and audited. Dr. Laura Sullivan Gallegos of the Latino Education Task Force, affirms that such evaluation is necessary because “without onsite monitoring of services and documents, there is little expectation of measurable progress for any students.” The Bilingual and Multicultural Education Division will work with higher education and colleges of education to develop bilingual and multicultural preparatory programs for aspiring instructors.