Since 2020, a large group of Massachusetts school districts have shared their students' early literacy screening assessment data with DESE, as part of participating in DESE programs and grants . DESE and research partner WestEd have analyzed that data to examine important questions such as:
Findings from this research allow DESE to better support schools and districts.
Early Literacy Performance in Massachusetts
Highlights from Early Literacy Performance and Progress in Massachusetts
Intersections: Student Background and Early Literacy Performance Early literacy screening assessment results reveal complex relationships between students' identity characteristics and early reading outcomes
Early Literacy Screening Assessment Benchmarks: What "At Risk of Reading Difficulty" Means DESE's approved early literacy screening assessments measure reading proficiency and define "risk" differently
The reports below were released in 2023 and reflect student data collected between 2020-2022.
Read the full report released in 2023: First Look at Early Reading Performance in Massachusetts
Opportunity Gaps Early literacy screening assessment results reveal racial and linguistic disparities, reflecting opportunity gaps in the education system
Supporting Students Early Students experiencing reading difficulties make more progress towards meeting benchmark in earlier grades, reducing the risk of unnecessary learning struggles in the future
Comparing Early Literacy Screening Benchmarks in Massachusetts Screening assessments measure reading proficiency and define "risk" differently
Since defining evidence-based early literacy as a priority in the 2019 Statewide Literacy Strategic Plan, DESE has offered a wide range of resources to support schools with evidence-based practices in early literacy. We invite you to learn more and get involved!
Last Updated: February 18, 2025