By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed into law a bill dealing with teacher preparation and student literacy. The measure would establish clear statewide standards for evidence-based reading instruction—requiring the teaching of phonics, ensuring access to high-quality K-3 curricula, enhancing educator training and support and creating new reporting and accountability systems.

The bill defines evidence-based early literacy as instruction featuring phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and phonemic awareness, and is demonstrated to produce significant and positive effects on student learning outcomes. It prohibits curricula that are not evidence-based and curricula that rely on implicit or incidental word reading strategies.

Another provision formalizes dyslexia and literacy screening requirements by requiring schools to develop protocols for identifying potential neurological learning disabilities, including dyslexia, and to report their screening practices annually.

“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,” said Healey. “Helping students learn to read is one of the most important things we can do to set them up for success. 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.”

“Reading opens doors,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “Whether it’s succeeding in school, pursuing higher education or building a career, strong literacy skills create opportunities that last a lifetime. 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.”

“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 sponsor Sen. Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett). “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.”