From Allocation to Action: Bilingual Education Budget Use Across New Mexico Districts for ELL Boys

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 7:45 am - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Policy, Equity, and Critical Perspectives in Bilingual Education

Abstract

New Mexico recently introduced targeted bilingual education appropriations to strengthen Bilingual Multicultural Education Programs (BMEPs) and address equity mandates
from Yazzie/Martinez v. State of New Mexico (2018). This study examines whether districts serving higher proportions of English language learner (ELL) boys allocate a greater share of these funds toward instruction. Using district-level data from 45 districts and multiple linear regression, findings reveal that the proportion of gifted students significantly predicts higher instructional spending, while an interaction between ELL and male student proportions consistently shows a positive—though nonsignificant—association with budget use. Results suggest demographic pressures shape allocation patterns and highlight the need for more disaggregated data to understand how intersecting identities influence resource distribution.

Authors

• Jenna Doane, The University of New Mexico

• Wajiha Saqib, University of Texas at Austin