Bill > H698

This bill aims to improve early literacy instruction in Massachusetts by establishing clear guidelines and requirements for evidence-based literacy education in schools. The legislation defines "evidence-based literacy instruction" as a structured, systematic approach to teaching reading that focuses on five essential components: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency, and reading comprehension. The bill requires school districts to align their literacy curricula with evidence-based practices and mandates that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) provide tools, resources, and professional development to support educators in implementing these instructional methods. If early literacy screening shows that more than 50 percent of students in kindergarten through third grade are below benchmarks, districts must develop plans to implement evidence-based literacy instruction. The bill also requires DESE to create guidelines for identifying and addressing reading deficiencies, maintain a list of approved professional development programs, and develop online training modules for teachers. Additionally, the legislation impacts educator preparation programs by requiring them to align with evidence-based literacy instruction and establishes annual reporting requirements for districts to track implementation and progress. The overarching goal is to improve student literacy outcomes by ensuring that reading instruction is based on scientifically-validated research and practices.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H698