Gov. Susana Martinez proposes to increase spending next year on programs to help New Mexico children learn to read.
Martinez said Tuesday she'll recommend the Legislature provide $13.5 million to improve reading skills of students in kindergarten through the 3rd grade. That's an increase of $5 million over current spending on early reading initiatives.
About $9.5 million will be requested for reading coaches and other services to help struggling students, $3 million for tests to identify students with reading problems and $1 million for professional development for educators to help students.
The governor is expected to release her proposed state budget later this week.
Martinez also will ask lawmakers to approve a measure requiring schools to retain third-graders who can't read proficiently, rather than promoting them to the next class.