Governor Healey Signs Legislation to Improve Early Literacy Instruction in Massachusetts

 Governor Healey Signs Legislation to Improve Early Literacy Instruction in Massachusetts 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today signed An Act Relative to Teacher Preparation and Student Literacy, legislation designed to improve student literacy across Massachusetts and provide schools and educators with additional tools to support early reading success.  

Massachusetts is home to the nation’s top-ranked K-12 school system, and Governor Healey is committed to making Massachusetts a national leader in literacy as well. The legislation strengthens early literacy instruction by requiring school districts to adopt evidence-based reading curriculum, instructional materials and practices and consistent literacy screenings, and improving educator preparation. 

 "Massachusetts is the best state in the nation for education, but we know there is a lot more that needs to be done, especially when it comes to early literacy. Helping students learn to read is one of the most important things we can do to set them up for success," said Governor Maura Healey. "This legislation builds on the work we’ve been doing through Literacy Launch and high-dosage tutoring by giving schools and educators the tools they need to support every student. I'm grateful to the Legislature, educators, families and advocates who helped make this important bill possible." 

 "Reading opens doors. Whether it's succeeding in school, pursuing higher education or building a career, strong literacy skills create opportunities that last a lifetime," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "This legislation will help more students build those skills by giving educators additional tools to identify challenges early and provide support when it's needed most." 

 “When our students succeed, the future of our Commonwealth is so much brighter. This early literacy legislation will help ensure that students receive the evidenced-based instruction they need to become the strongest readers they can be, plus provide our educators with essential tools to support their students," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "As a parent who had to help their child navigate reading struggles, I understand how important this legislation is for youth, families, and teachers across the Commonwealth. I'm grateful to the Governor for her signature, to Senator DiDomenico for his leadership on this issue, and to all my colleagues across the Senate and House for advancing this crucial legislation.” 

 “As a former public-school teacher, and as someone committed to improving the future of our Commonwealth, the drop in reading scores that students in Massachusetts have experienced in recent years is simply unacceptable,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “This bill reflects the Legislature’s commitment to ensuring that every school district in Massachusetts has access to the most effective early literacy instruction. The Commonwealth has a long and proud history of being a national leader in education, but in order to maintain that leadership, we must keep pace with what is proven to be effective in the classroom. I want to thank Governor Healey for signing this important legislation into law, as well as my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for producing legislation that will lead to better outcomes for our students."  

The legislation includes several measures to strengthen literacy instruction, support educators and help students develop the reading skills they need to succeed, including: 

 K-3 Reading Curricula 

The Legislation requires school districts to select K-3 reading curricula backed by scientific research that has been proven to improve student competency in reading, vocabulary, oral language, and comprehension. It also requires DESE to develop a free, high-quality K-3 literacy curriculum that will be available to school districts across Massachusetts.  

Early Literacy and Dyslexia Screenings 

The Legislation codifies dyslexia and literacy screening requirements and requires schools to develop screening protocols for potential neurological learning disabilities, including dyslexia, and annually report their screening practices. It also requires school districts to assess students’ reading ability and review their achievement progress at least twice per school year from K-3. 

Teacher Apprenticeships and Prep Programs 

The Legislation expands the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program to support paid teaching apprenticeships in high-needs districts. It also supports DESE’s expeditated review of teacher education programs to ensure they use evidence-based literacy training.  

  “I want to thank the Legislature for their continued partnership in addressing one of the most urgent issues in K-12 education: ensuring that every student across the Commonwealth reads at grade level or beyond by grade 3,” said Secretary of Education Steve Zrike. “Governor Healey signing this legislation is another important step forward, building on our Literacy Launch and high-dosage tutoring initiatives, to help students thrive in the classroom and beyond.”  

 “I’m grateful to the Legislature and to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their urgency in this moment,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Giving all students access to evidence-based literacy instruction is a matter of equity, and DESE will support districts, educators and teacher training programs in this work.” 

“Strong literacy skills begin in the early years and are critical to a child’s long-term success,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “This legislation strengthens the connection between early education and K-12 learning by promoting evidence-based practices and supporting educators in helping every child build the foundational reading skills they need to thrive.” 

The legislation builds off Governor Healey’s Literacy Launch and high-dosage tutoring initiatives, designed to strengthen literacy instruction, support educators and help students develop strong reading skills.  

 Literacy Launch is a multi-year initiative focused on transforming early literacy systems in public schools and community-based preschool programs. Through Literacy Launch, Massachusetts has supported over 202 schools move towards evidence-based reading instruction and provided free evidence-based professional learning to 700 educators, with 1,250 more to be served this summer. 

High dosage tutoring is an evidence-based strategy that provides students with intensive one-on-one small-group support. Governor Healey created a high dosage tutoring program in Massachusetts and more than 320 schools statewide participated in its first year, helping students make significant gains in literacy achievement at no cost to families. 

 Governor Healey recently signed a budget directing surplus Fair Share revenue toward transportation and education priorities that included $20 million for the third year of Literacy Launch and $20 million for high-dosage tutoring next school year. 

“It is completely unacceptable that less than half of children in Massachusetts are proficient in reading at their grade levels,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “We worked hard in the Education Committee crafting this critical legislation to ensure that educators use evidence-based early literacy curricula that are backed by science while leaving schools the flexibility to decide what curriculum is best for their students and teachers. Thank you to Governor Healey, Senate President Spilka, and Senator DiDomenico for championing strong action on this issue, and thank you to all the parents, educators, and advocates who’ve connected with us and supported this legislation throughout the process.” 

“This is a pivotal moment for children across our state as the Governor signs this critical legislation I filed to ensure every student gains essential literacy skills,” said Senator Sal N. DiDomenico, the lead Senate bill sponsor. “We all recognize that teaching our kids to read and write is one of the most fundamental responsibilities we have, yet far too many students are still falling short of basic literacy benchmarks. As co-chair of the conference committee, I was proud to collaborate with many educators to craft evidence based policies that will strengthen early literacy instruction and set our students on a path to lifelong success. I want to express my gratitude to Governor Healey, Senate President Spilka, my fellow conferees, my staff, the educators, and the committed advocates whose dedication helped carry this important policy across the finish line.” 

 “We cannot allow Massachusetts to fall behind. Today, fewer than half of Massachusetts third graders are reading proficiently. Children who cannot read proficiently by the end of third grade are far more likely to struggle academically and face fewer opportunities later in life,” said Representative Alice H. Peisch, Assistant Majority Leader. “By passing this legislation, we are investing in our teachers, strengthening accountability, and giving every child the opportunity to thrive.” 

"It is great to see this important legislation be signed by Governor Healey today," said Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford), House Chair of the Conference Committee that issued the report, and House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. "Every student in the Commonwealth deserves access to a high-quality, evidence-based reading curriculum. This law ensures that reading instruction is grounded in proven practices, including a strong emphasis on phonics, giving all students the foundation they need to succeed. I am grateful for the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s partnership and support in advancing this critical effort." 

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is ready to support school districts in implementing these changes as soon as possible.