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Naturalization Act of 1906
This act pushed the agenda for all immigrants to speak English to become American citizens. It went with the idea of monolingualism in schools which ultimately promoted the loss of Native languages for bilingual students. This Act affected NM as well as the US. -
The Constitution of New Mexico
This state constitution prohibited the discrimination of Spanish speakers and called the explicit recruitment of Spanish-speaking teachers and bilingual education. -
Brown v. Board of Education
Civil rights case to prevent discrimination in education and paved the way for legislation involving children with disabilities and diverse students. This case affected NM as well as the US. -
The 1965 Immigration Act
This Act revoked the previous Naturalization Act of 1906 and no longer required citizens to speak English. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
This Act authorized state-run programs for eligible schools and districts to raise the academic achievement of struggling learners and address the challenges for students who live with a disability, mobility problems, learning difficulties, poverty, or English Language Learners. This act affected NM and the US. -
Bilingual Education Act 1968
This Act provided federal funds for bilingual education programs in an effort to help students learn English as a second language. This affected the U.S. and NM. -
Bilingual Multicultural Act of 1973
New Mexico became the first state to have a bilingual and multicultural education law. The law supports multicultural learners and creates a framework for bilingual education within the state. The law was amended in 2004. -
Individuals With Disabilities Act
This Act is viewed as a "Bill of Rights" for children with exceptionalities and their families. It also extended rights to students with linguistic diversity. This act impacted the U.S. and NM. -
No Left Child Left Behind Act
A major educational reform effort focusing on the academic achievement of students and the qualifications of teachers. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act Reauthorization
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was Reauthorized. The amendments to the act viewed bilingual students as having a deficit and began using the term "English language learner" formally -
Every Student Succeeds Act
This Act aims to provide an equal opportunity for disadvantaged students, including those who are ELL. This act aims to preserve the spirit and intent of the No Child Left Behind Act while improving some of the deficiencies. -
Yazzie-Martinez Case
State sued by a group of families because they believed the state was not meeting the needs of diverse students, specifically Native American, and Latino students. It was found that the state did violate students' fundamental rights by failing to provide sufficient public education as required by the state constitution. This affected NM.
