Mass. General Laws c.71 § 57C

Approved district screening assessments for students in kindergarten through grade 3; students falling below grade level benchmarks

This is an unofficial version of a Massachusetts General Law.

Updates

Added by St. 2026, c. 113, § 11 effective September 24, 2026

Section 57C (effective September 24, 2026)

(a)

Each district shall assess each student’s reading ability and progress in literacy skills from kindergarten through at least grade 3, using a screening assessment approved by the department of elementary and secondary education, not less than twice per school year. The department shall update approved screening assessments to remain current with best practices and evidence-based assessments. The screening assessment of the student’s reading ability and progress shall be consistent with section 2 of chapter 71B, the department’s dyslexia guidelines issued pursuant to section 57A and literacy guidelines issued pursuant to section 57B.

(b)

If a screening assessment determines that a student is significantly below relevant grade level benchmarks in specific literacy skills, the district shall determine which actions within the general education program will meet the student’s needs, including, but not limited to, differentiated or supplementary evidence-based reading instruction and ongoing monitoring of progress. Not later than 30 days after a screening result that determines that a student is significantly below the relevant grade level benchmark, the district shall inform the student’s parent or guardian of the screening results and the school’s response on what actions within the general education program will meet the student’s needs and shall offer the student’s parent or guardian the opportunity for a follow-up discussion.

Last updated:	June 26, 2026