Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Launch of No-Cost Early Literacy Tutoring for 272 Elementary Schools

Tewksbury — Governor Maura Healey, Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler and Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez today celebrated Massachusetts’ $25 million investment in no-cost, high-dosage early literacy tutoring for 272 elementary schools with a classroom visit to Dewing Elementary School in Tewksbury. High-dosage tutoring is an evidence-based model shown to deliver significant gains in literacy achievement, particularly for students who are behind grade level, and provides one-on-one or small-group tutoring sessions multiple times a week for at least 10 weeks. 

This high-dosage tutoring program is designed to help students in kindergarten through third grade build foundational reading skills this school year — with Grade 1 as the top priority. The initiative was created by Governor Healey as part of her comprehensive strategy to improve literacy for all Massachusetts students and is funded through a $25 million investment in Fair Share dollars. 

“I proposed this $25 million investment in high-dosage tutoring because we know students are not where they need to be when it comes to reading in Massachusetts and across the country. By making tutoring available for thousands of children this school year, we are putting proven strategies directly into elementary classrooms so our students get the support they need to succeed,” said Governor Healey. “I want to thank the Legislature for their partnership in this important work and all of our educators who are working hard to make sure students receive this important support.”

“High-dosage literacy tutoring is one of the smartest investments we can make in our students and our future,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re proud to partner with educators across the state to provide tailored instruction to some of our youngest readers and help close achievement gaps we continue to see as we recover from the pandemic.” 

Today’s celebration comes after a summer of investments the administration has made in early literacy, including through Governor Healey’s Literacy Launch: Reading Success from Age 3 through Grade 3 initiative:

• The administration launched the first Literacy Launch Institutes, providing free in-person early literacy training and professional development for 600 educators from across the state in August.
• The administration visited Easthampton to award $9.3 million in Literacy Launch PRISM II grants to 30 school districts to help implement high-quality early literacy instructional materials.
• The administration also awarded $3.3 million in PRISM III literacy grants to 25 school districts to support the purchase of high-quality instructional materials for grades 4-12 and professional learning support.

“Reading is the foundation of all learning, and high-dosage tutoring is helping us ensure every student has the opportunity to build that foundation early,” said Education Secretary Tutwiler. “We are prioritizing this critical investment in equity, access, and achievement and I am so grateful to the dedicated educators and tutors making a difference every day for their students.”

“It’s exciting to start a new school year knowing that hundreds of schools will now be able to offer high-dosage early literacy tutoring,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “These are exactly the type of supports that our youngest students need if we want to address reading challenges early, before they interfere with students’ learning.”

“Literacy unlocks every other dimension of learning, and every child in Massachusetts deserves the chance to become a confident reader and learner,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “By investing in evidence-based tutoring and high-quality instruction, we are ensuring that our youngest students — especially those who need the most support — are set up for success in school and in life. I'm proud that the Senate has made this a priority in the state's budget, and I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for making this program a priority and distributing these dollars expeditiously."

"High-dosage tutoring recognizes the importance of reading in early education. Good literacy skills are essential to a strong education, and an educated public is essential to a healthy democracy," said Town of Tewksbury Town Manager John C. Curran.

"We are excited about this high-dosage early literacy tutoring opportunity and recognize its potential to significantly impact our students' foundational reading skills,” Tewksbury Superintendent Brenda Theriault-Regan. “Our district is prepared to move quickly on the DESE-sponsored program once funding becomes available. This aligns perfectly with our commitment to ensuring all students achieve reading proficiency."

Offered through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the high dosage tutoring initiative provides participating schools and districts with tutors at no cost to the school or student. The tutoring offers flexible models — including in-person and virtual formats — designed to meet local needs during and after the school day. DESE has selected qualified tutoring providers to partner with schools and work with students across the state. First graders are prioritized as this is a crucial year to solidify early reading skills.

Statements of Support

State Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education:

“High-dosage tutoring is one of many proven tools we are implementing in Massachusetts, along with tremendous investments in early education and childcare, to ensure our young students learn to read which will help them to succeed. Thank you to the Healey administration for bringing free, high-dosage early literacy tutoring to 272 schools this year to support our children from the start and set them up for future success down the line.”

State Representative Kenneth Gordon (D-Bedford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education:

“We’re proud to support access to high dosage early literacy tutoring. This program gives all of our learners the head start they need to unlock the keys to reading and open the doors to the opportunity of education.  We’re glad to do our part.”

State Senator Barry Finegold (D-Andover):

"Intensive literacy tutoring has a proven track record of success, and this investment will set young learners on a lifelong path to literacy. Strong literacy skills are foundational for future job readiness and economic opportunity, making this initiative a critical step in preparing students for the workforce."

State Representative Tram Nguyen (D-Andover):

"I’m proud to see this statewide investment in early literacy take root in our schools right here in the district and across the Commonwealth. When we give every child the tools to become strong readers, we’re not only opening doors for their future success, we’re also building stronger, more equitable communities for years to come.”

State Representative Vanna Howard (D-Lowell):

“Investing in high-dosage early literacy tutoring is essential for equipping students with the foundational skills needed for success, ensuring they meet the critical third grade reading benchmark. Sincere appreciation to my House and Senate colleagues, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for the collaborative effort prioritizing early literacy.”

State Representative David Robertson (D-Tewksbury): 

"Encouraging students through tutoring and support to become proficient readers empowers them to be successful students and lifelong learners. I greatly appreciate the Governor and her administration for prioritizing early literacy programs throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.” 

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