Student Literacy Act

The Student Literacy Act requires every Massachusetts district to use a high-quality K–3 literacy curriculum grounded in evidence-based literacy instruction and aligned with the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks. The requirement takes effect at the beginning of the 2027–28 school year.

Districts can meet this requirement through one of three pathways:

1. Adopt and use the free Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE-developed K–3 literacy curriculum
2. Adopt or continue to use an approved curriculum from the approved list
3. Apply for and receive a waiver

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE will post more information about each of these options as it becomes available.

The Student Literacy Act reaffirms that schools must screen the reading ability and progress in literacy skills of all students in kindergarten through grade 3 at least twice each school year, using a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE-approved screening assessment. Screening is intended to identify students who may be at risk for reading difficulty, including risk of dyslexia, and who need additional support in developing foundational literacy skills. Districts must develop screening procedures and protocols consistent with Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE guidelines which reflect considerations for English learners and students with disabilities.

When screening indicates that a student is significantly below the relevant grade-level benchmark, districts must:

1. Determine an appropriate response within the general education program, which may include, but is not limited to, differentiated or supplemental evidence-based reading instruction and ongoing progress monitoring.
2. Notify the student's parents or guardian within 30 days of the screening result and the school's planned response.
3. Offer the parent or guardian an opportunity for a follow-up discussion.

For screening timelines, tools, and resources, explore the webpage linked below.

Early Literacy Screening

The Student Literacy Act strengthens support for educators to implement evidence-based literacy instruction in kindergarten through grade 3. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE will provide districts with tools and resources to support aligned professional learning for K–3 literacy teachers, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and reading specialists.

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE will make available:

1. A list of approved professional development programs and providers aligned with evidence-based literacy instruction.
2. Free online training modules on the foundational practices and pedagogy of evidence-based literacy instruction.
3. Additional tools and resources to support districts and educators with effective implementation.

Select an option below to explore Student Literacy Act professional learning opportunities and implementation resources.

Literacy Launch Institutes   |  More resources coming soon

The Student Literacy Act establishes new reporting requirements for districts. Beginning in the 2027–28 school year, districts will annually report information required by Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE related to their literacy curricula and early literacy screening practices.

Districts should incorporate implementation of and compliance with the Student Literacy Act into relevant district planning and implementation efforts.

Currently, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE collects information about district curriculum use through a voluntary reporting process. Visit the Curriculum Data Collection webpage to learn more. This voluntary data collection is distinct from the Student Literacy Act's reporting requirements.

Additional information about Student Literacy Act reporting will be provided as implementation guidance becomes available.