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Abstract:
New Mexico currently ranks 50th in the nation for adults with low literacy skills. Against a backdrop of inequity and need, the adult education system in the state has nonetheless experienced notably improved outcomes, greatly increased funding, and legislative successes over the past 3 years, paving the way to a brighter future for adult learners in the state. In this article, two state leaders identify four main drivers of positive change in the New Mexico adult education system that have complemented the educational emphases of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration. The authors identify strong partnerships, high levels of transparency and field participation, a strategy of legislative advocacy, and data-driven decision-making as contributors to recent success. They also reflect on lessons learned that may be useful for other states and on concerns and considerations for the future.