2026 ESSA Plan Amendment, Title I, Part A

The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) is seeking public comment on a proposed amendment to New Mexico’s approved Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) State Plan.

The proposed amendment updates the State Plan to establish 2023 as New Mexico’s baseline year for educator equity data and incorporates 2024 data as the first annual comparison to that baseline. The amendment addresses student access to ineffective, inexperienced, and out-of-field teachers and examines differences in access across Title I and non-Title I schools and among identified student groups.

The proposed amendment includes:

• 2023 baseline data and 2024 comparison data for ineffective, inexperienced, and out-of-field teacher rates;
• comparisons between Title I and non-Title I schools;
• comparisons involving students from low-income families and students not from low-income families;
• comparisons involving students of color and students who are not students of color;
• an evaluation of identified differences in educator access; and
• NMPED’s commitment to annually review educator-equity data and use the results to inform technical assistance, professional learning, educator preparation, recruitment, retention, mentorship, and Title II, Part A planning.

The complete proposed amendment is available below for public review.

Public Comment

NMPED invites educators, families, students, school and district leaders, charter schools, tribal communities, education organizations, community partners, and members of the public to review the proposed amendment and provide comments.

Please share your feedback or comments in Federal ESSA Plan Title I, Part A, Amendment Public Comment Form.

The public comment period runs from October 19, 2026 through November 18, 2026 (11:59 PM, MST).

For Questions, please contact Birgit.Maurer@ped.nm.gov