NM SB158

Creates a five-year micro-credential pilot project in the Public Education Department to provide professional development for site administrators and teachers aligned with the Martinez-Yazzie decision on culturally and linguistically responsive education

Implements the project in three phases: pathway development, validation with cohorts of at least 50 administrators and 50 teachers, and statewide implementation beginning in the 2028-2029 school year

Caps enrollment during statewide rollout at 80 site administrators per year, with teacher enrollment increasing from 400 in year one to 700 in year two to 1,100 in year three

Requires participants to demonstrate competency through performance tasks on a pass-fail basis before progressing to the next micro-credential in their pathway sequence

Appropriates $3,000,000 from the general fund for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, with unexpended balances reverting to the general fund