Massachusetts

The purpose of this document is to capture state-by-state information of policy and guidelines related to the science of reading / evidence-based reading instruction to be presented on The Reading League Compass, a website of reliable and reputable guidance and resources for targeted stakeholder groups.

Local control?

Yes

Has your state passed legislation and/or non-legislated rule changes related to the science of reading?

Yes

Does your state have an approved curriculum list?

No, but the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does convene panels of Massachusetts teachers to review and rate evidence on the quality and alignment of specific curricular materials, then publish their findings for educators across the Commonwealth to consult.

Was evidence-aligned reading instruction a consideration for the curriculum review?

Yes. The Curate rubric for ELA/Literacy K-5 is here and is aligned to the evidence-base codified in Mass Literacy.

Please describe any other instructional-materials work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable

Appleseeds: Evidence-Based Foundational Skills for Massachusetts

Appleseeds is a complete package of instructional materials for reading foundational skills in Kindergarten through Grade 2 that includes everything from lesson plans to student workbooks to decodable readers to assessments. All materials follow evidence-based research, use a systematic and explicit approach to instruction, and are open-source and downloadable.

Grants supporting the purchase and implementation of HQIM aligned with SoR, including:

Does your state mandate or provide guidance on early screening?

Yes. All info here: https://www.doe.mass.edu/instruction/screening-assessments.html

Early Literacy Screening Guidance (a guidance document to support schools and districts as they conduct early literacy universal screenings required by Massachusetts regulation 603 CMR 28.03 (1)(f), effective July 1, 2023).

Does your state have policy or guidance related to MTSS that incorporates information on the science of reading and/or evidence-based literacy practices?

Yes. MTSS Guidance is available on Mass Literacy (Leading a Multi-tiered System of Support page) and in the MTSS Blueprint (a guidance document).

Does your state have policy or guidance related to instruction and/or professional development

Yes. The Mass Literacy Guide

Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading?

Yes. The Mass Literacy Guide is our state literacy guidance.

Open-access Professional Learning (OAPL)
OAPL provides Massachusetts educators with opportunities to learn more about early literacy topics, delivered by highly qualified local and national providers. Educators looking to continue their professional growth in literacy this winter can visit the OAPL web page to learn more and enroll in courses. Courses will be opened on a rolling basis over the next month. Massachusetts educators who qualify can enroll in these courses for free by checking the website. Some courses offer stipends, college credit or special certifications upon completion.

Mass Literacy Online Overview Course

Since 2020, the Mass Literacy Guide has empowered MA educators with practical, effective teaching strategies, tools, and resources to support evidence-based practices that cultivate the literacy talents of ALL our students in grades preK-3. To support all educators in getting to know the wealth of information and resources within the Mass Literacy Guide, DESE is providing an asynchronous online course, available at no cost to any educator who works in a Massachusetts education organization. Participants who complete the course will receive 15 PDPs. https://keystoliteracy.com/mass-literacy-online-course/

Please describe any grant work that names the science of reading and/or evidence-aligned instruction including links, where applicable

Has your state reviewed standards for alignment to the science of reading?

Our standards were updated in 2018.

Do you have policy or guidance regarding how to leverage evidence-based practices to support secondary students?

No.

Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading and Multilingual learners?

Yes. As part of our Mass Literacy Guide Multilingual Learner Revision project, we have partnered with the English Learner Success Forum (ELSF) to update, expand, and strengthen information and resources for multilingual learners in the Mass Literacy Guide.

Appleseeds Multilingual Learner Implementation Guide K-2 is available here: https://sites.google.com/view/appleseedsk2/home.

Does your state have licensure or program approval criteria to ensure Educator Preparation Programs are aligned to the science of reading?

Yes. Early Literacy Program Approval Criteria (currently in draft form, will be finalized by December 2023)

Do you have a “contact us” website that we can share publicly on TRL Compass?

Any questions about Mass Literacy and the evidence-based early literacy initiatives in the PK12 space can be sent to LiteracyAndHumanities@mass.gov.

Any questions about Early Literacy in educator preparation can be sent to educatordevelopment@mass.gov

Please describe and link to any other work you would like to share that relates to the science of reading

Early Literacy in Educator Preparation Initiative: https://www.doe.mass.edu/edprep/resources/early-literacy.html

Use the interactive state map to find descriptions of state-level policy adoption, guidance, and practices related to the science of reading. State policy may include legislation incorporating training or practices related to the science of reading or state education agency guidance regarding policy, professional development, curricula, instruction, or assessment.

Filter by specific topic area(s) to find state-specific work: 

The Reading League expresses gratitude to our collaborators and associates within the state education agencies for sharing their state-specific data. This data will undergo semi-annual updates, contingent upon the availability and resources of the respective state agencies. For any inquiries, clarifications, or updates, please reach out to compass@thereadingleague.org.