; Whereas the New Mexico 520 Alternative Certificate allows members of New Mexico’s 22 Pueblos and Tribal Nations to teach their respective languages in New Mexico public schools; Whereas, pursuant to section 2A of the New Mexico Bilingual Multicultural Education Act of 1973, a bilingual multicultural education program is a program where children learn through 2 languages, enhance and foster a positive understanding of the cultures of their environment, and participate in the wealth and beauty of such a rich cultural heritage in the pluralistic society in which we now live ; Whereas bilingual multicultural education supports emergent bilingual students, prepares all students to participate in a multicultural society, and ensures equal access to education; Whereas, in 1968, Congress passed the first major Federal legislation concerning bilingual education, the Bilingual Education Act (BEA), which became the English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement Act; Whereas the State Court held in Yazzie/Martinez v. State of New Mexico that the State failed to provide adequate education for students, particularly low-income students, English learners, Native Americans, and students with disabilities, thus requiring the State to ensure schools have the necessary resources, including sufficient funding, to provide all students with equal access to education; Whereas New Mexico is 1 of the 49 States that has approved a Seal of Biliteracy; Whereas New Mexico is 1 of at least 39 States that provides for training, professional development, teaching standards, certification, or endorsements for alternative language teachers in statute or regulation; Whereas Federal legislation has been proposed to create grants for States to fund the Seal of Biliteracy program but remains unfulfilled