Garcia's Bill on Social Promotion Clears One Committee

Mary Helen Garcia

Santa Fe, NM – A bill that would help students achieve reading standards sponsored by Rep. Mary Helen Garcia (D-Las Cruces) House Bill 21 passed the House Consumers and Public Affairs Committee with a vote of 5-0. Rep.Garcia said, “I think this a turning point for the educational system. It will help students who are not proficient at reading at their grade level reach standards. As a former educator, I know how critical literacy is to the learning process. If children can’t read, then their comprehension and understanding of other subjects is hindered.” She added, “This will not require any additional funding­ – just the districts’ dedication to develop targeted reading programs.” House Bill 21 would require students who are not academically proficient in reading by the end of the third grade not be allowed to enter fourth grade until proficiencies are reached.

The bill requires notification of parents at the end of the third grade year that their child will not be promoted to the fourth grade and that a parental waiver will not be allowed for the student. Student assistance teams comprised of the student’s teacher, school counselor, school administrator and parent, will be required to immediately develop an academic improvement plan to ensure the student’s progress toward reading proficiency prior to entering the fourth grade. If proficiencies are not met prior to the new school year, the student will not be promoted to the next grade. The bill would also make it so students who are not academically proficient by the end of the seventh grade must repeat that grade before continuing to upper levels. House Bill 21 now heads to the House Education Committee for consideration.

Garcia's Bill on Social Promotion Clears One Committee