The Bilingual Multicultural Education Act of 1973 provides funds to local districts to implement bilingual, multicultural instructional programs. The main purpose of such programs is to ensure equal education opportunity for qualifying students in New Mexico. Bilingual Education programs also provide opportunities for students to expand their conceptual and linguistic potentials and abilities, and to learn to appreciate the value and beauty of different languages and cultures.
A critical component of the program is English language development, which uses specialized methods and materials designed to teach English to speakers of other languages. Primary language instruction in the core academic areas, including language and literacy, is also an integral part of the program, thus ensuring the continued intellectual development of children while learning English. PED-BMEU
Historical Perspective
The Constitution of the state of New Mexico, adopted in 1911, reflects the intent to protect the languages and culture of the state's peoples. Article XII, Section 10 of the Constitution states that children of Spanish descent shall never be denied the right to attend public school nor will they be educated in separate schools. Additionally, Section 8 calls for the Legislature to provide for training of teachers to become proficient in both the English and Spanish languages.
In 1968, the State Board of Education issued the first policy in support of Bilingual Education. In 1973, the New Mexico State Legislature passed the Bilingual Multicultural Education Act (Sections 22-23-1 through 22-23-6 NMSA 1978), which reaffirmed the provisions of the Constitution and laws regarding languages spoken by Hispanics and Native Amerians. This was followed in 1976 by the State Board of Education's Guidelines for Program Approval, which described how Spanish and Native American language instruction could be implemented in districts applying for state support.
Bloomfield Schools
All state Bilingual Multicultural Education programs must support the district's Education Plan for Student Success (EPSS).
June 2002, the State Board of Education approved a new Bilingual and Multicultural Education Regulation. This revision was made to promote more effective Bilingual Multicultural Education programs and services; to implement new programs (such as Language Revitalization); and to provide for both greater accountability and greater flexibility for schools implementing Bilingual Education programs.
New Mexico State Seal of Bilingualism-Biliteracy
To earn the bilingualism-biliteracy seal on the diploma of excellence, students must meet the graduation requirements as specified in Subsection J of 6.29.1.9 NMAC, and demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English, through one of the following methods:
(1) certification by an individual tribe;
(2) units of credit and an assessment;
(3) units of credit and an alternative process portfolio; or
(4) an assessment and an alternative process portfolio.
6.32.3.8 NMAC