October 14, 2025
SANTA FE – Nearly half of New Mexico elementary and middle school students now read at grade level, up from just over one-third three years ago, according to statewide assessment results released today.
Reading proficiency in grades 3-8 has climbed 10 percentage points since 2022, reaching 44% in 2025. Students in grades 3, 6, and 8 posted the highest one-year gains ever recorded on the New Mexico Measures of Student Success and Achievement.
“These results confirm that the state’s investments in early literacy and the science of reading are working,” said Public Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla. “We’re seeing the payoff in classrooms across the state.”
The gains were strongest among students who have historically struggled most. Native American students improved 13 percentage points, Hispanic students 10 points, and English learners 8 points, narrowing the achievement gaps across the state.
Third graders showed particularly strong growth, with proficiency jumping 8% in a single year. Sixth and seventh graders also posted significant gains of 6% and 5% respectively.
The improvements follow the state’s adoption of structured literacy instruction in 2020, which grounds all reading teaching in research about how children learn to read. The state has trained Pre-K through 5th grade teachers in the approach and expanded summer reading programs that served more than 16,000 students over the past two years.
The assessment report reflects data from 89 districts, 104 charter schools and 50,000 educators and staff statewide.
Math and science show little change
While reading scores climbed, math proficiency remained largely flat, mirroring national trends. High school math proficiency on the SAT declined from 16% in 2022 to 12% in 2025, though SAT reading and writing scores improved across all student subgroups.
Science scores in grades 5, 8 and 11 also showed little movement.
“Structured literacy has shown us what’s possible,” said Padilla. “It’s a call to action to make the same kind of long-term, evidence-based investments in math and science.”
Public Education Department recommendations for math and science include:
Early math screening to identify learning gaps and provide immediate support.
Math coaching and professional development for teachers, modeling on the literacy program.
Increasing legislative investment in evidence-based math instruction to ensure all students build strong numeracy skills.
Improved math methods in educator preparation programs.
Year-round high dosage tutoring for struggling students.
Hands-on professional learning and language-integrated instruction for math and science teachers.
“These data tell a clear story,” said Padilla. “Our literacy investments are producing results, but sustained focus and funding are needed in math and science to ensure all students graduate ready for college and career.”
The department will continue refining assessments to provide useful data for teachers and school leaders.
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The New Mexico Public Education Department partners with educators, communities and families to ensure that all students are healthy, secure in their identity and holistically prepared for college, career and life. Currently, the PED serves about 320,000 students in 189 districts and charter schools. Find an abundance of resources for administrators, educators, families and students at New Mexico Public Education Department (state.nm.us) or follow the PED on Facebook and Instagram.
Link:NEWS RELEASE: New Mexico reading scores jump 10 points in three years