Center for Instructional Support

English Language Arts and Literacy

Take the Early Literacy Screening Survey by February 13, 2026

Popular ELA and Literacy Links

Mass Literacy
Adolescent Literacy Intervention Selection Tool (A-LIST)
Early Literacy Screening Assessment
PRISM Grant
Early Literacy High-Dosage Tutoring

Literacy Plan for Massachusetts

The current Literacy Plan for Massachusetts is called "An Excellent Education in ELA and Literacy for ALL." This document describes the initiatives and projects of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to work towards our vision of an excellent ELA/Literacy education for every student in Massachusetts.

Early Literacy Screening Assessments

Universal Screening is conducted to identify students who may be at risk for poor learning outcomes so that targeted, responsive instruction may be provided. Visit the Early Literacy Screening Assessment page to view the list of assessments approved by DESE.

DESE Launches Update of Early Literacy Screening Assessments and Guidance

Following two years of implementation, DESE is launching an update of the Early Literacy Screening Approved Assessment List and accompanying Guidance to build on existing research-aligned work and to reflect feedback from educators across the Commonwealth. This update includes a review of K–3 English screeners, expanded work to evaluate screening tools in languages other than English, beginning with Spanish, Portuguese, and French, and an updated guidance document. Updated guidance and a refreshed screener list will be released in Summer/Fall 2026, with implementation of any changes by July 1, 2027.

Share your feedback on the current guidance through this survey, by Feb. 13, 2026. Take the Survey

ELA/Literacy Learning Standards and Resources

Standards-Based Learning Videos

Elementary

Secondary

Contacts for ELA and Literacy

Last Updated: January 29, 2026

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