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 Instructional Support programs and grants. DESE and research partner WestEd have analyzed that data to examine, for the first time, important questions such as:
Findings from this research will allow DESE to better support schools and districts.
Read the full report: First Look at Early Literacy Performance in Massachusetts
Early literacy screening assessment results reveal racial and linguistic disparities, reflecting opportunity gaps in the education system
Read the issue brief Opportunity Gaps
Students experiencing reading difficulties make more progress towards meeting benchmark in earlier grades, reducing the risk of unnecessary learning struggles in the future
Read the issue brief Supporting Students Early
Screening assessments measure reading proficiency and define "risk" differently
Read the issue brief Comparing Early Literacy Screening Benchmarks in Massachusetts
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: December 1, 2023
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