Press Release  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. 

Statements of Support 

Jessica Tang, President, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts: “Teaching children to read is one of the most important things we do as educators. Ensuring educators have the tools and resources they need to improve reading instruction will always be a priority for us. Having educators involved early and often as regulations—especially those around professional development—are crafted and implemented will ensure these new guidelines and support are provided in an equitable, realistic, and timely manner. A strong curriculum is part of the solution. We also need a strong coaching infrastructure for both educators and administrators, the necessary funding to support this transition, and standards in place to support at-risk students, including those with disabilities and English language learners. Today is an important first step towards our longstanding goal—ensuring all districts and educators have access to the same, high-quality, evidence-based literacy curriculum. The AFT Massachusetts fully supports evidence-based literacy curriculum and will continue to work with our partners in the State House to realize the full potential of our students.” 

Dr. Mary M. Bourque, Executive Director, Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents: 

“The Right to Read early literacy bill will help ensure that all students in Massachusetts develop the foundational reading skills needed for success in school. We are encouraged that the legislation ensures early screening for intervention and professional development opportunities for teachers.” 

Tim Nicolette, Executive Director of Massachusetts Charter Public School Association: 

“Literacy is fundamentally important for a child’s success in school and beyond, and this legislation will strengthen the academic future of students across Massachusetts. We thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Legislature, and DESE for their commitment to advancing evidence-based early literacy instruction. As the Commonwealth moves into implementation, charter public schools are ready to be strong partners in sharing effective practices, supporting educators, upholding high expectations for student learning, and helping ensure that every child has the tools needed to read, learn, and thrive.” 

Michelle Haimowitz, Executive Director, Massachusetts Head Start Association:  

"Head Start programs across Massachusetts prepare our youngest learners for school success and inspire our children with a love of learning and reading. We are excited to see this legislation continue to strengthen those practices and build on literacy practices as young children enter K-12 and continue to find opportunities for success." 

Kerry Donahue, Executive Director, Teach For America:  

“Today, by signing the Right to Read Act, Governor Healey will take decisive action to confront one of the most urgent challenges facing our education system: more than half of students are not reading proficiently by the end of third grade. This moment reflects years of advocacy from parents, educators, community leaders, and students themselves who refused to accept persistent literacy gaps and demanded a new path forward. Teach For America Massachusetts’ community of education leaders proudly support this important bill, and we applaud Massachusetts legislative and executive leaders for moving it swiftly this session. This law will provide access to high-quality, evidence-based literacy curriculum for all teachers - including those from Teach For America Massachusetts - so that all Massachusetts students learn how to read.” 

Jennie Williamson, State Director of EdTrust in MA: 

"Today is a landmark day for the youngest learners of the Commonwealth. With the signing of the 'Right to Read' law, Massachusetts affirms that literacy is a fundamental civil right — and that nearly every child can become a proficient reader when taught with evidence-based practices grounded in the science of reading. For too long, too many students — especially Black and Latino students, multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and those from low-income backgrounds — were denied the chance to become strong readers because the system failed to give them the instruction and support they needed. This law begins to change that. We commend Governor Healey, legislative leaders, educators, families, and advocates — including our partners in the MassReads coalition — and are proud to have advanced this fight alongside them. The work of implementation lies ahead, but today, Massachusetts made a clear commitment: every child deserves the opportunity to read, learn, and thrive." 

Leon Smith, Esq., Executive Director, Citizens for Juvenile Justice (CFJJ): 

"Addressing early grade literacy is critical to the future of the Commonwealth. Research affirms that students who don’t read proficiently by the end of third grade are four times more likely to leave high school without a diploma and have a heightened likelihood of juvenile and criminal justice system involvement. Improving our literacy systems will ensure that the next generation of children avoid these poor outcomes and gain the foundation needed for academic and future professional success.” 

Kimberly Houldsworth, President, International Dyslexia Association MA:  

“The International Dyslexia Association Massachusetts Branch (IDA-MA) is incredibly proud to stand alongside Governor Healey and the legislative leaders who have proven to be stalwart advocates for education equity. By signing this landmark early literacy bill into law, this administration is ensuring that every child has a right to read. Bringing evidence-based, structured literacy instruction to all K–3 classrooms continued to be IDA’s sharpened vision. We look forward to actively partnering with the administration to support our dedicated teachers and schools as we turn this vital framework into real classroom success across the Commonwealth.” 

Ivelisse Caraballo, Executive Director, Collaborative Parent Leadership Action Network (CPLAN):  

“The Collaborative Parent Leadership Action Network strongly supports this legislation. We believe literacy is one of the most important foundations for academic success and lifelong opportunity and we are encouraged by the legislation's commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction, early screening practices, educator preparation, and expanded pathways into the teaching profession. We look forward to partnering with state leaders, educators, and families to support implementation efforts that are both effective and equitable.” 

Greg Reibman, President & CEO, Charles River Regional Chamber: 

"We applaud the Healey-Driscoll administration and the Legislature for their commitment to improving student literacy across Massachusetts. Reading proficiency is the foundation for nearly every career, from the skilled trades and healthcare to advanced manufacturing and professional services. By ensuring students receive evidence-based reading instruction from the earliest grades, Massachusetts is making an investment in the future workforce that will help businesses grow, strengthen our talent pipeline and keep Massachusetts a place where businesses can find the talent they need to thrive. 

Tanisha Sullivan, Chair, Governor’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment:   

“Literacy is the foundation of opportunity, and every child deserves the chance to read, learn, and thrive. For too long, too many children have been left behind. Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Legislature took decisive action by expanding access to evidence-based reading instruction, strengthening educator preparation, and ensuring students receive the support they need before challenges become lifelong barriers. We know what works. Now Massachusetts is committing to ensure every child, in every school, has access to it. Today we take another step forward in delivering on a quality education for all.” 

Josiane Martinez, Chair, Governor's Advisory Council on Latino Empowerment:  

“Strong literacy skills are a gateway to opportunity, and every child deserves access to the instruction and support they need to become confident readers. This legislation helps ensure more students, including multilingual and Latino students across the Commonwealth, receive evidence-based literacy curriculum early in their education journey. We applaud Governor Healey’s and the Legislature’s leadership on early literacy and their commitment to creating more equitable outcomes for Latino students and families in Massachusetts.”  

###