Early Literacy Screening

Early Literacy Screening Update: Timeline for Updated Assessments and Guidelines

Following three years of statewide implementation, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE is updating its early literacy screening assessment lists and guidelines, building on research-aligned practices and feedback from educators, stakeholders, experts, and researchers. Updates include:

• A revised approved assessment list in English
• A new approved assessment list in Languages Other than English
• Revised guidelines with enhanced procedures and protocols
• A web-based companion toolkit

Thank you to the many educators, stakeholders, experts and researchers who have shared feedback through surveys, direct review of the draft Guidelines, and other opportunities. This input is directly informing the revised Guidelines, review of screening tools, and development of practical supports for districts.

With the passage of the Student Literacy Act and anticipated regulatory updates, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE is extending the previously announced timeline to align implementation requirements and resources. Key milestones include:

• Winter/Spring 2027: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE will release updated guidelines, approved assessment lists, and resources, along with funding opportunities and ongoing transition supports.
• By August 2027 (pending regulation): Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE will publish district reporting requirements related to screening assessments, protocols, and procedures.
• School Year 2027–28 (pending regulation): Districts may continue using their currently approved screening assessment during this transition year. Districts will also begin reporting required information to Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE about their early literacy screening practices, pending regulation.
• School Year 2028–29: Districts must implement a screening assessment from the updated approved list.