By Bob Katzen
The House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would provide a framework for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to identify and approve a list of high-quality curricula that school districts will select from for kindergarten through third grade literacy. It also allows districts to apply to DESE to use a K-3 literacy instruction curriculum that is not on DESE’s list of high-quality curricula, provided DESE verifies that it uses evidence-based literacy instruction.
Supporters said this bill would define evidence-based early literacy as grounded in scientific research methods and demonstrated to produce significant and positive effects on student learning outcomes. They noted that many school districts in Massachusetts have switched to evidence-based early literacy curricula, and some have been assisted by grants awarded through the state’s Literacy Launch Program. They said that some school districts have yet to fully adopt proven literacy curricula, despite it being the most effective way to improve reading outcomes.
Supporters also argued that the bill supports teachers by requiring DESE to provide tools and resources, including online materials and free training modules, to aid districts with professional development aligned with evidence-based literacy instruction for K-3. It also ensures that educator preparation programs are preparing future educators in alignment with evidence-based literacy instruction.
“We filed this legislation because literacy is not just an academic skill — it is a life skill,” said Rep. Danillo Sena (D-Acton), the co-sponsor of an earlier version of the bill. “It is the foundation for all future learning, for civic participation, and for economic opportunity. This bill ensures that our students learn through evidence-based and high-quality strategies.”
“As a former special education teacher and as a father of four young kids, making sure all students are taught to read using effective, scientifically proven methods is deeply personal to me,” said Rep. Simon Cataldo (D-Concord) also the co-sponsor of an earlier version of the bill. “I am proud to have co-filed the bill.”
“Currently, fewer than half of Massachusetts third graders are reading at grade level,” said Rep. Alice Pesich (D-Wellesley), another co-sponsor of an earlier version of the bill. “Research shows that children who do not read proficiently by the end of third grade are far more likely to fall behind academically, drop out of school or face limited opportunities later in life. We must ensure that every student in Massachusetts has access to high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction.”
American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts President Jessica Tang has her doubts about parts of the bill.
“As passed today, this bill establishes a limited, blanket curriculum that is concerning, particularly to veteran educators who have developed rich and effective evidence-based literacy curriculum over the years,” said Tang. “Even more concerning is that it bans important, proven tools our educators currently use and use successfully, particularly with our English language learners and students with special needs. As educators, we fully support evidence-based literacy curriculum. We also know that it will take more than just curriculum for our students to fully thrive as they progress from learning to read to reading to learn.”
Tang continued, “Even though we have concerns, we are pleased that the bill passed today includes key provisions we were proud to advocate for, including reporting and tracking measures, expanding funding opportunities for critical positions and establishing a commission to continue the important work to advance literacy in the commonwealth. We will continue to work with legislative and state allies on this issue and we look forward to seeing what comes out of the Senate.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)
Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes