Lessons from New Mexico: Scaling Structured Literacy to Improve Student Success

This video showcases how educators at a rural New Mexico district are transforming literacy instruction through Lexia® LETRS® Professional Learning. With 85% of the district’s student population identifying as Hispanic and half of the students being English Language Learners, educators face unique challenges. However, by adopting Structured Literacy practices, they are making significant strides in improving reading outcomes for all students.

Following the passage of Senate Bill 398 in 2019, New Mexico lawmakers mandated Structured Literacy training for all K–5 teachers, along with first grade dyslexia screenings. Despite rolling out this initiative during the challenges of the 2020–2021 school year, these educators have embraced it wholeheartedly. During the past four years, they have progressively expanded the program to include teachers across all elementary grades.

Not only are teachers trained in LETRS, but administrators and state-level department leaders are also participating, creating a unified approach to literacy instruction. This alignment ensures educators and leaders speak the same language, enabling data-driven decisions tailored to individual student needs. Teachers report feeling more confident in identifying struggling readers early and providing targeted support, which has already shown positive results in student outcomes.

By focusing on prevention rather than remediation, these educators are paving the way for improved literacy rates. This video highlights how LETRS is empowering educators to create lasting change and ensure every student has the tools to succeed.