New Mexico to provide families with at-home reading plans and over 750,000 books

Teachers will use student assessment and progress information to prepare an individualized family literacy plan for each K–3 student. 

Source: N.M. Public Education Department

SANTA FE – More than 75,000 K–3 students will receive more than 750,000 books in multiple languages during the 2026–27 school year as part of a new, comprehensive at-home reading program. 

Teachers will use student assessment and progress information to prepare an individualized family literacy plan for each K–3 student. Four times during the school year, teachers will send families the plan, an update on their student’s reading progress and a “Take-Everywhere Literacy Pack” with structured literacy activities. Districts will begin distributing literacy packs in November. 

“Families want to know how their children are doing and what they can do to help,” said Public Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla. “The family literacy plans connect the information teachers share with books and activities families can use together. Reading at home should feel welcoming and possible for every family.” 

Developed by Just Right Reader, a company dedicated to accelerating reading achievement through research-aligned, engaging literacy resources, the literacy packs include books selected to match students’ developing reading skills, writing activities and video phonics lessons that families can access by QR code. These resources help families understand what their children are learning and how to reinforce those skills through everyday reading experiences. The video lessons are available in English, Spanish and more than a dozen additional languages. 

Founded in 2019, Just Right Reader develops literacy resources aligned with the Science of Reading, including family engagement supports that extend learning beyond the classroom. 

The initiative is part of New Mexico's implementation of the 2026 High-Quality Literacy Instruction Act (Senate Bill 37), which strengthens evidence-based literacy instruction, student assessment, family engagement and targeted support for students learning to read. 

For more information, visit PED’s Read-At-Home Plans page.