Advancing children to the 4^th grade when they can’t read sets them up for failure in our educational system and for career opportunities later in life. Social promotion hurts New Mexico – our students, teachers, parents, employers, and our citizens in general. We owe our children and students the best opportunity to achieve their dreams to include high standards of learning necessary in today’s world. Therefore, we should demand nothing less than our support of SB 23, a Special Session Bill which addresses this issue. It is essential that our elected leaders take responsibility for ensuring that the educational system “educate” students commensurate with the skills required in the 21^st century.  Social promotion is not the answer.  Yet the educational system cannot do it alone.  It will take all of us as parents, employers, elected officials, and citizens to work closely with administrators, educators, and our students to address this issue. SB 23 is an important first step in this journey and we ask you to join with us in expressing your support of this important legislation.